Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Bring It!
Welcome to The Line
Virginia Johnson is a Canadian clothing and textile designer who studied at Parsons and has previously designed accessories for Helmut Lang. Her tote bags are a great big size and durable enough for your errands and the gym. The print canvas Giant String Bag Tote (L) measures 15"H x 15.5"L x 7"D with an 8" handle drop, and has an interior patch pocket for keys, chapstick and loose change that always finds itself at the bottom of your bag. Throw it all in and hit the road!
July 22, 2009
Sometimes I wish I had a Mary Poppins bag...a seemingly small, compact tote that somehow fits a floorlamp (and a spoonful of sugar). For those of us city gals who head out the door each morning juggling gym clothes (and those sneaks that take up so much space!), last night's leftovers for lunch, and a shoes & accessories wardrobe change for happy hour drinks, there IS a stylish solution...several, in fact. Today I bring you a few totes and carry-alls to bring it all that will be the envy of people on the street and make them say "stylish bag, lady!" instead of just, "bag lady".
Virginia Johnson is a Canadian clothing and textile designer who studied at Parsons and has previously designed accessories for Helmut Lang. Her tote bags are a great big size and durable enough for your errands and the gym. The print canvas Giant String Bag Tote (L) measures 15"H x 15.5"L x 7"D with an 8" handle drop, and has an interior patch pocket for keys, chapstick and loose change that always finds itself at the bottom of your bag. Throw it all in and hit the road! 
Another textile designer (and former fashion industry intern) with a fun selection of tote bags, who I also love for both throw pillows and melamine dinnerware, is Thomas Paul. His tote bags come in two sizes and feature original designs with bold prints and fun colors. The smaller of the two comes in several patterns, my favorite being the green and navy Goldfinch bag (R). Measuring 10”H X 12” W X 6”D, it's big enough for your day-time essentails but won't weigh you down. 
The Brown Coral tote (L) is one pattern available on the bigger bag and is such a versatile cute print. Brown goes with everything and coral is always cool. The dimensions of the larger tote size are: 14”H X 17”W X 8”D and let me be the first to tell you that these are a flat-out bargain!
See more sizes and buy online at: http://www.velocityartanddesign.com/
Next up is a company that is well-known for sturdy printed canvas goods-- Hable Construction. The prints are designed and the company is run by sisters and Texas natives Susan and Katharine Hable who now run their biz in NYC. (There is a New York retail shop.) The totes are
made with either a lightweight canvas or a heavier, thicker canvas more durable for hauling heavier items. One particular style I love is the V-Bag (lightweight canvas) with leather handles, which is "slender and feminine" says Hable. This particular blue and green print is called Garden Cosmos (below L). (The Line sidenote: Many of their prints are constructed in different styles so if you love this color combo check out the website for more sizes/shapes.)
The El Hombre (R) tote is made of a heavier canvas and capable of carrying a couple magazines, bottles of water and your personal daily affects, but still slim enough to fit well under your arm. Instead of leather straps on the V-Bag this style has thick canvas handles with an 8" handle drop, has 4 roomy exterior pockets and comes in several cute colors. (Color shown is Charcoal Checker.) So if you do have a Mary Poppins bag...time to upgrade and stash your keys in one of these easy access pockets so you're not a bag lady gone fishing.
To shop online, go to: http://www.hableconstruction.com/
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
made with either a lightweight canvas or a heavier, thicker canvas more durable for hauling heavier items. One particular style I love is the V-Bag (lightweight canvas) with leather handles, which is "slender and feminine" says Hable. This particular blue and green print is called Garden Cosmos (below L). (The Line sidenote: Many of their prints are constructed in different styles so if you love this color combo check out the website for more sizes/shapes.) The El Hombre (R) tote is made of a heavier canvas and capable of carrying a couple magazines, bottles of water and your personal daily affects, but still slim enough to fit well under your arm. Instead of leather straps on the V-Bag this style has thick canvas handles with an 8" handle drop, has 4 roomy exterior pockets and comes in several cute colors. (Color shown is Charcoal Checker.) So if you do have a Mary Poppins bag...time to upgrade and stash your keys in one of these easy access pockets so you're not a bag lady gone fishing.
To shop online, go to: http://www.hableconstruction.com/
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Shoes, MAN!
Welcome to The Line
Today is an exciting day...not only because we are half-way through the week and the sun is shining, but also because today is the first post aimed at men's style...so listen up gents! (Or ladies, take note!)
Not long ago I found myself part of a wonderful converstation about men's footwear with a southern gentleman in his 60's. We didn't disagree on the fact that most men (of all ages, from all corners of this fine country...although a certain midwestern metropolis that I happen to call home is certainly worse for the wear) have terrible taste in footwear. I was overjoyed and relieved (if not a bit worked up) to find a grown man recognize and validate my frustration with the choices made by my American male counterparts.
Comfort is absolutely of importance, but while you're at it, why not choose some stylish slip-ons (some quite practical, others not so much) this summer? Take a look and please heed my two pieces of advice: 1) do not wear square-toed shoes. (Avert your eyes!) Never, ever. And 2) resist any temptation to purchase or wear (if you already own?!) any sort of woven leather sandal, pleeeeeeease. It's not to late to make a 2009 resolution.
First up are two styles from UK-based Pointer. Founded only 5 years ago, the maker of these casual yet style-conscious shoes aims for a wide appeal that has a classic look. Below left is the Tanju, which straddles the line between penny-loafer and boat shoe, polished enough for work but easily a weekend shoe too. Below right is the Saha, a solid, simple shoe resembling a Sperry boat shoe, but with a bit more guts. White contrast stitching adds a nice bit of interest to the toe. Go to: http://www.pointerfootwear.com/ for US store locations.
If you fancy yourself a red-blooded patriot (but enjoy a well-made pair of Italian shoes)... and you're willing to take few steps forward toward prepster-chic, these D&G (Dolce & Gabanna, hallo?!) boat shoes (R) may be your ticket to Nantucket or maybe the ferry to Fisher's Island. With that broken-in look and fine Italian leather, you can bet these babies are comfortable right out of the box. I long for the day I lay eyes an old leathery Frenchman wearing the Mango Moccasin from Farragamo (below). Surely he would be wearing slim white slacks and an oxford unbuttoned down-to-there, and I would ask him to be my pen pal. These loafers are made from white and navy calf-skin leather. Flashy? Perhaps, but why take yourself so seriously!? Surely there is a time and a place for such flair, and I think it's sunset on a yacht in Antibes, if you happen to hang on le Cote D'Azur.
Thanks for reading guys (and dolls)! TTFN!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Skirting the Issue
Welcome to The Line
July 14, 2009
One of my favorite things about these warm weather days is that the ladies get to show some leg! (Can I get a hell yeah!?) And this season we've got some fantastic choices when it comes to skirts, most notably the full circle skirt in a newer, shorter length. Being the middle of July, I surely hope you've donned a summery skirt by now...at least once?...but if not, then now's the time! (The Line sidenote: If you haven't made it to the beach and fear your pale legs will offend, please meet my friend Jergens.) So...with options for every occasion, today I bring you several selections to showcase your lower limbs.
This magenta mini, made by LaRok, is a silk/cotton blend and the mini-pleats (barely noticeable) give it a very fun fullness. At 17.5" in length, it's one of your shorter options (depending how high you choose to pull the wasitband) and creates a very slim waistline with the built-in black elastic belt and exposed zipper in the back. This is Fun with a capital F and perfect for a fun night out...so go paint the town pink! Check http://www.saks.com/ for sizes and pricing.
And while we're at it...here's another fun choice for your evening activities. This flashy gold lamé (yep, lamé!) skirt called The Last Romance from Sass & Bide comes in at a high-thigh15" and has an elastic waistband with on-seam pockets at your hips. High kicks (err, maybe not in this skirt)...hooray for pockets!!! Keep your upper half on the simple side, go find the nearest disco ball and if the stars align, it can be yours: http://www.shopbop.com/
A few daytime options ahead: slightly longer lengths with patterns and fabrics that may be better suited for weekday wear. First is an adorable blue gingham print from Organic (below, L) and a fun floral print from See by Chloe (below, R). Both of these skirts are a more modest length of 18" and will hit most gals a few inches above the knee in a flattering spot. They can be worn with your favorite white v-neck for weekend errands or a tucked in blouse if you want to add polish and jazz it up a bit.
Okay, so let's make this last one really easy. My fashion philosophy is usually quite simple...and I think there are lots of females out there who want to break it down. If you're fighting with your closet or standing in front of the mirror in your unmentionables without any excitement about what to wear, try this: choose your bottoms first (in this case, a super duper cute summery skirt!) and make your remaining selections from there. For instance, if you choose a print or patterned skirt, go for a solid top. (Most crises can be solved with a simple white shirt that fits you well.) If you've got ruffles up top, skip the necklace...and fabulous shoes are always a must.
So our next option takes all of the guesswork out of it. With a built-in belt, this rayon/ modal blend (translation: soft but structured) from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent is instant style. I adore this skirt and have been stalking it for nearly a week. (Perhaps it will find itself in my closet someday soon.) A pair of brown or gold sandals would work nicely and you can go plain Jane on the top (recall the ever-useful white shirt we just discussed?)--TA DAA! Stay sassy my skirted friends!
July 14, 2009
One of my favorite things about these warm weather days is that the ladies get to show some leg! (Can I get a hell yeah!?) And this season we've got some fantastic choices when it comes to skirts, most notably the full circle skirt in a newer, shorter length. Being the middle of July, I surely hope you've donned a summery skirt by now...at least once?...but if not, then now's the time! (The Line sidenote: If you haven't made it to the beach and fear your pale legs will offend, please meet my friend Jergens.) So...with options for every occasion, today I bring you several selections to showcase your lower limbs.
This magenta mini, made by LaRok, is a silk/cotton blend and the mini-pleats (barely noticeable) give it a very fun fullness. At 17.5" in length, it's one of your shorter options (depending how high you choose to pull the wasitband) and creates a very slim waistline with the built-in black elastic belt and exposed zipper in the back. This is Fun with a capital F and perfect for a fun night out...so go paint the town pink! Check http://www.saks.com/ for sizes and pricing.
And while we're at it...here's another fun choice for your evening activities. This flashy gold lamé (yep, lamé!) skirt called The Last Romance from Sass & Bide comes in at a high-thigh15" and has an elastic waistband with on-seam pockets at your hips. High kicks (err, maybe not in this skirt)...hooray for pockets!!! Keep your upper half on the simple side, go find the nearest disco ball and if the stars align, it can be yours: http://www.shopbop.com/ A few daytime options ahead: slightly longer lengths with patterns and fabrics that may be better suited for weekday wear. First is an adorable blue gingham print from Organic (below, L) and a fun floral print from See by Chloe (below, R). Both of these skirts are a more modest length of 18" and will hit most gals a few inches above the knee in a flattering spot. They can be worn with your favorite white v-neck for weekend errands or a tucked in blouse if you want to add polish and jazz it up a bit.
Okay, so let's make this last one really easy. My fashion philosophy is usually quite simple...and I think there are lots of females out there who want to break it down. If you're fighting with your closet or standing in front of the mirror in your unmentionables without any excitement about what to wear, try this: choose your bottoms first (in this case, a super duper cute summery skirt!) and make your remaining selections from there. For instance, if you choose a print or patterned skirt, go for a solid top. (Most crises can be solved with a simple white shirt that fits you well.) If you've got ruffles up top, skip the necklace...and fabulous shoes are always a must.
So our next option takes all of the guesswork out of it. With a built-in belt, this rayon/ modal blend (translation: soft but structured) from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent is instant style. I adore this skirt and have been stalking it for nearly a week. (Perhaps it will find itself in my closet someday soon.) A pair of brown or gold sandals would work nicely and you can go plain Jane on the top (recall the ever-useful white shirt we just discussed?)--TA DAA! Stay sassy my skirted friends!
Monday, July 13, 2009
I Wear My Sunglasses At Night
Welcome to The Line
July 13, 2009
Too often, Mother Nature has not yet made up her mind by the time you leave your house in the morning. Partly cloudy quickly turns into a bright, beautiful and sun-shiney day...and luckily, you're prepared. Today we take a look at some sun shades with personality from a few different designers so you can set yourself apart.
Oakley recently released a limited edition pair of Frogskins as part of a collaboration with snowboarder Shaun White. They're metallic light blueish-grey and come with a matching pouch. If you happen to come across a pair, grab them elbows-out and run for the half-pipe, they're very hard to find and sold out just almost everywhere.
Another super cool set of shades is the Daddy B from Oliver Peoples. These 70s-retro sunglasses are unisex and somehow very current/modern...but with that vintage vibe. I absolutely love the shape of these, they will be mine, and you really can't go 
wrong with tortoise...so choice. Another personal favorite of mine from OP is the Sabina. Normally I don't go for the gradient lens because sometimes people watching is too tempting and I know staring is rude. But these shady shades are an exception and aside from being glamorous and attention-getting, these lenses are rimmed with royal blue and kelly green & perfectly tinted with a light blue hue for happy days.
wrong with tortoise...so choice. Another personal favorite of mine from OP is the Sabina. Normally I don't go for the gradient lens because sometimes people watching is too tempting and I know staring is rude. But these shady shades are an exception and aside from being glamorous and attention-getting, these lenses are rimmed with royal blue and kelly green & perfectly tinted with a light blue hue for happy days.
Another classic throwback is the Ray Ban Classic Clubmaster. These are Ducky from Pretty in Pink (if you recall?)...oh-so-retro and a pair that could seem indimidating and hard to pull-off. Pull on your faded Levi's, choose a fun colorful necklace, a few gold bangles and something stylishly subdued on your feet...but please leave the fedora at home. I am a believer in taking fashion risks, why the heck not?! So... go for it...and when you win, say I knew it!
Balenciaga produced a small number of sunglasses this season, and I am loving this thick grey lucite pair (below, L). Australia's CoLab sunglasses are handcrafted and styled by a whole slew of emerging designers and each model is released in a limited stock of 1000, never to be reproduced. This pair, called Weiner, (below, R) goes for nerdy chic and succeeds spot on. (Your eyes do not deceive you, that is a stringy rubberband wrapped around the bridge.)
And to send you off in style...two more winners from Oliver Peoples: the Shelldrake (top) which also comes in a darling pink, and the Zooey, one style from a collaborative line of specs and shades by Zooey Deschanel.
Stay cool, my friends...in sun or shade.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Paperless Party
Welcome to The Line
July 10, 2009
I understand the turn-off of an e-vite. The designs are graphically clunky and there's no personal touch or class. There comes a certain point, (sometimes no matter your age) when you're finished with clip art and past the $20 all-you-can-drink parties...but not yet celebrating your 20th wedding anniversary.
The perfect solution has arrived: Paperless Post, an online invitation site that guides you through creating your personalized invitation that looks and is received very much like a paper invitation. The site gives you hundreds of choices for border designs, fonts, colors, RSVP preferences, etc. Guests open an e-mail to view an envelope with their name on the front, and one click brings the invitation out of the envelope. Customer service is fabulous and $10 buys you 250 "stamps" (invitations)...which works out to be much less than snail-mailing each of your printed invitations, but I'll let you do the math.
Emily Post may disagree, but I say saving trees is very classy!
Take a peek and register at: http://www.paperlesspost.com/
July 10, 2009
I understand the turn-off of an e-vite. The designs are graphically clunky and there's no personal touch or class. There comes a certain point, (sometimes no matter your age) when you're finished with clip art and past the $20 all-you-can-drink parties...but not yet celebrating your 20th wedding anniversary.
The perfect solution has arrived: Paperless Post, an online invitation site that guides you through creating your personalized invitation that looks and is received very much like a paper invitation. The site gives you hundreds of choices for border designs, fonts, colors, RSVP preferences, etc. Guests open an e-mail to view an envelope with their name on the front, and one click brings the invitation out of the envelope. Customer service is fabulous and $10 buys you 250 "stamps" (invitations)...which works out to be much less than snail-mailing each of your printed invitations, but I'll let you do the math.
Emily Post may disagree, but I say saving trees is very classy!
Take a peek and register at: http://www.paperlesspost.com/
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Walk This Way, Part One
Welcome to THE LINE
JULY 9, 2009
Apologies for my absence yesterday; my day was consumed by tissues (a-choo!) and Day-Quil...zzzzzz. On the up and up today and back at it.
So...I'll come right out and admit that I am a lover of shoes. (I've been called Imelda Marcos by family members for years and my close friends could tell you about my growing collection of Nike sneaks.) This is real love, not a fleeting romance or summer fling; I have always loved footwear and I'm afraid that I always will.
The shoes we're seeing on runways this season are statement pieces that are fun and super hip: platform pumps, 5" sling-back open-toe booties, t-strap gladiator sandals, etc. In the same way that a little clutch or a big, bold statement necklace can make an outfit, so can shoes! Today I bring you a small sampling of some hot summer sandals.
The drool-worthy Jimmy Choo "Prize" high-heeled t-strap sandal (L) is made with caramel-colored leather and brass hardware. With a stacked wooden heel that measures 4.7" you're sure to walk tall in these high rollers.
If your budget is less champagne and more beer, there are plenty of less expensive options. (The Line sidenote: although I love a bargain as much as the next girl, I do not encourage buying cheap leather shoes, especially high heels, because your feet will hate you for it and you'll probably end up tossing them in the end.) Three shoe labels I love for awesome design & a more reasonable price are Botkier (better known for handbags) Pour La Victoire, and Loeffler Randal.
As you may have guessed, there will be more installments of my fair shoes. But until then...walk on, my friends.
JULY 9, 2009
Apologies for my absence yesterday; my day was consumed by tissues (a-choo!) and Day-Quil...zzzzzz. On the up and up today and back at it.
So...I'll come right out and admit that I am a lover of shoes. (I've been called Imelda Marcos by family members for years and my close friends could tell you about my growing collection of Nike sneaks.) This is real love, not a fleeting romance or summer fling; I have always loved footwear and I'm afraid that I always will.
The shoes we're seeing on runways this season are statement pieces that are fun and super hip: platform pumps, 5" sling-back open-toe booties, t-strap gladiator sandals, etc. In the same way that a little clutch or a big, bold statement necklace can make an outfit, so can shoes! Today I bring you a small sampling of some hot summer sandals. The drool-worthy Jimmy Choo "Prize" high-heeled t-strap sandal (L) is made with caramel-colored leather and brass hardware. With a stacked wooden heel that measures 4.7" you're sure to walk tall in these high rollers.
If your budget is less champagne and more beer, there are plenty of less expensive options. (The Line sidenote: although I love a bargain as much as the next girl, I do not encourage buying cheap leather shoes, especially high heels, because your feet will hate you for it and you'll probably end up tossing them in the end.) Three shoe labels I love for awesome design & a more reasonable price are Botkier (better known for handbags) Pour La Victoire, and Loeffler Randal.
This particular pair of cream colored Joleen Woven Platform Sandals (R) by Pour La Victoire caught my eye because I don't often find a pair of white or cream colored shoes that don't look somewhat cheap. These, however, are sexy and sophisticated...something about that interwoven braided look that hits the top of your arch in just the right spot. Perfect for summer with narrow jeans (to show off that style!) or a skirt.
Being a tall drink of water, I'm also loving all of the adorable flat sandals that are available right now. The Sable sandal from Loeffler Randal (below L) and the Bijan Knotted Flat Sandal by Pour La Victoire (below R) are both great choices if you want to participate in the flat sandal summer craze but fear the high-ankle- too-many-straps-and-buckles-gladiator style just isn't you. These are classic, feminine and fashion-forward, I dare say! With pale gold criss-cross straps and soft leather, these will go with just about everything in your summer wardrobe.
check them out at: http://www.shopbop.com/
As you may have guessed, there will be more installments of my fair shoes. But until then...walk on, my friends.
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