Act just like a Lady...

Hermes Flap Bag

There's been a definite movement away from luggage like bags being draped over our shoulders.  Although I believe that larger totes are necessary for our everyday lives, smaller, structured, ladylike bags have made themselves relevant again.  Coco Chanel had it right when she introduced the 2.55 bag back in 1955.  65 years later, the flap bag is still current and classic.  We have quite a few styles to choose from.  Whether it be the more cost effective Coach style "classic", or moving to a higher end, higher priced designer, we can all use to scale back our apartments that we carry over one arm.  xoxo

Coach Classic 

Chanel Mini Flap

Celine Mini Luggage

Chanel Bubble Flap

  

Orange You Glad...

With so much color being shown for the season to come, (fall), I thought i'd express my love for orange.  Orange is a corky, unexpected, but happy color.  It's kind of one of those colors that is not the first you gravitate towards, but I love the surprise of chic when it's paired or worn without fear.  Of course we can't forget that one of the most luxurious brands is wrapped in orange.  We may not all be able to buy the beautiful orange box we call Hermes, but we can all sprinkle a little bit of it around.  xoxo

Stack em up!

Friendship bracelets are nothing new, especially to any 12 year old that year after year makes them their pet project.  They're fun, colorful and a great way to show your "love" to anyone you make them for.  Being that now i'm in my 30's, friendship bracelets aren't really the appropriate way to show affection, but honestly i'm loving the nostalgia and the simplicity for what they stand for.  Bracelets have made a huge comeback the last couple of years and with all the Hermes, Cartier and Anita Ko stackables, i'm liking to throw a few more friendships into the mix.  xoxo

House of HERMES!

What can I say, or do I have to say that we don't already know about HERMES?  This house is synonymous with sophistication, timelessness and all around a true classic.  In the present day of this horrible recession, it's the only design house that has shown more than a 26% growth rate just in the first 6 months of 2010.  Along with other luxury brands, HERMES continues it's strength.

Ok, that's enough of the stats, lets face it...HERMES is just cool.  What I love most, is how something so incredibly conservative, that hasn't changed it's esthetic since it's inception, can look so "now" and just plain amazing.  Yes, I know, HERMES isn't the cheapest house in the world, but one things for sure, anything that you're lucky to acquire now...will be passed down and worn by your daughter later.  xoxo

Latest Obsession

Okay, I have a new obsession.  I've recently been into stacking bracelets.  I like the look of "junking" up the arm.  I also prefer fine jewelry (gold/diamonds) vs just any type of metal but, with that said, it takes time and money to start and keep collecting pieces.  I would suggest to anyone that's looking to start a collection, to first sit down and figure out what you like and dislike.  Do you like gold tones vs white tones?  Are you a fine jewelry collector or costume jewelry hound?  There are some beautiful costume pieces that can be extremely expensive.  Think vintage Chanel or Hermes.  Regardless of what you decide, try to stay as classic as possible.  This obsession can get ridiculous and you want to be able to wear what you have for years to come.

A few designers that offer many different styles are Sydney Evan, Roseark and Jennifer Meyer.  They are all based out of Los Angeles and have a nice selection of high and low end pieces.  You can find their creations at Barneys and Roseark itself.  Or you can try some online retailers.  Either way good luck on your journey, hope you find what you're looking for.  xoxo

Ahh New York!

Love, Love, Love Olivia Palermo's New York Tribeca apartment....The floor to ceiling windows is a must when living in the city. All that natural light in a small space will make it worth living in a 500 sq ft box. But besides the size of the apartment this space is perfection. The Hermes orange tray gives just enough color and funk to her simple, neutral color palate.

Keep in mind when decorating your personal space, most of us don't live in a 5000 sq ft home, so keep from over buying and stuffing your place with everything you see. I know that there is a lot of great things to buy, but use some control. Sit down and really think about the vibe you want your space to say. Take a look at the style of your house, but more importantly your personal style and lifestyle. Your home should be a reflection of you not a mish mosh of someone elses style.

Neutral walls is a good place to start. Add your key pieces next, then finish it off with accessories that reflect you (books, frames, candles etc). Take your time when decorating. Go out on missions to find things you really LOVE. I know for myself when I see something that my first instinct is "I have to have it" it usually is right. Even if it's a little expensive. That may mean you can't buy anything else for the month, but that's okay. Trust me when I tell you you'll be happier with one great piece vs a house filled with IKEA. Nothing wrong with IKEA, but you know what I mean. Have fun!

Accessories

As spring is approaching and we're starting to see warmer days, our layers of clothing starting peeling away.  And underneath all the cashmere we've been wearing all winter long we start to see again our necks and collar bones.  We've already  looked at buying new maxi dresses and cute jumpsuits, but what do we do about accessories?  

Spring and summer is all about laid back, fun times.  So we want our accessories to reflect that.  Although the simple gold necklaces have been done for quite some time now, I do believe that they are here to stay.  So go ahead and pull them back out.  If you're looking for some key pieces to purchase, there are a few that I'm really loving.

• 31"-34"' single strand of pearls...(very Carrie Bradshaw) these can be worn funky with a cute tank top, or double them up and where them with a t-shirt and jeans. 
  
• Hermes Chein Collier bracelet...I'm in love with this bracelet, it's pricey but CLASSIC.  Worn by itself with a strapless maxi dress is the way to go.
• And last but not least, a great ring.  Something on the chunky side, worn on the index or middle finger.

The main thing to remember is to have fun with it.  Summer is all about being confident, enjoying your friends and family, and don't forget...looking cute!  Have fun!