accessories

The Invisibelt

Filed under: Apparel

The Invisibelt is a great invention. It's a clear plastic belt that has a flat clasp, so there's no bulky belt buckle bulging beneath untucked tops. The belt is great for when you want a sleek look but need a belt. Works just as well with jeans as with your most expensive pants.

I heard about Invisibelt more than a year ago, and had a hard time finding a place to buy it other than the Invisibelt website, which at the time had ridiculously high shipping (but then, eBay to the rescue).

Now that Invisibelt has been around a while, it's trying to glam up its collection, offering the belt in black ($19.95, same price as clear) as well as in a few pretty patterns -- the Glamour Collection ($22.00). The Invisibelt also is available for girls in fun colors and patterns ($16.00). The adult-size belts are available in one regular size and one plus size, meaning, since the belt adjusts like a bra, one size will fit most.

I think in a way it's kind of counter to being "invisible" when you are inventing belts made to be shown, but an entrepreneur and businesswoman I am not, so don't ask me. I will heartily endorse the belt, however. It really is practically invisible under tops, and because it's plastic, it warms with your body temperature and becomes soft and pliable, moving with you and becoming very comfortable, i.e., I don't even feel it.

Tags: accessories, belt, belts, Invisibelt

Keep Toasty with Designer Earmuffs

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Winter can be a bitter, miserable season if you're not equipped with the right essentials to stay warm. Coat? Check. Gloves? Check. Scarf? Sure, check. Hat? No way, not on this hairdo!

Don't freeze, try earmuffs! Often the butt of jokes because they've been known to look a little silly, investing in a stylish pair that you love can not only spare you some freezingly unpleasant winter outings but also help you make a fashion statement. Shown here are Fox Unlimited Fox-Fur Earmuffs ($75) and check out more of our picks in the gallery below.

Gallery: Stylish Earmuffs for the Season

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Tags: accessories, apparel, earmuffs, winter

Gucci: Nobility Inspired Italian Craftsmanship

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags, Shoes

Gucci has been nominated for the Luxist Awards in the category of Best Leathergoods Line, in addition to a nomination for Best Clothing Designer. Started by one man, Guccio Gucci, in Florence Italy in 1921 it was originally just a small leather goods and luggage shop that combined the master craftsmanship of Tuscan artisans with the refinement of English nobility. Gucci drew from his experience working in London's Savoy Hotel to grow his label that featured bags, trunks, gloves, shoes, and belts. The shop quickly began to attract sophisticated buyers from around Europe and the world.

In the 1940s Gucci got creative when faced with a shortage of standard materials and came up with the iconic 'Bamboo Bag', which is still available today. Then in the 1950s the brand famous 'green-red-green' web was created, and in the 1960s Jackie Kennedy carried the Gucci shoulder bag and inspired the 'Jackie O' name the bag carries today. The brand continued to grow and prosper over the years, becoming a global force of tradition and innovation in luxury goods. In 1995 Gucci became a fully public company, which enabled it to reach even higher heights of success -- including being named 'the most desirable luxury brand in the world' in 2007.

Want to learn even more about the history of this iconic luxury label? A special limited edition Gucci by Gucci is available at Gucci boutiques and offers a 450 page in-depth look into the brand's beginnings and its growth through the years, including previously unpublished product and celebrity photographs.

Cast your vote for the Readers' Choice Awards at http://www.luxist.com/awards-vote/accessories-awards.

Gallery: More from Gucci

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Tags: accessories, accessories-award, awards-main, gucci, luxist awards, luxist-awards, LuxistAwards

Bottega Veneta: Where Classic Meets Cutting Edge

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

Bottega Veneta is nominated for a Luxist Award in the Best Leathergoods category. Founded in 1966 by the husband and wife team Vittorio and Laura Moltedo in Vicenza, Italy, the brand was known from the start for its exceptionally soft hand-woven 'Intrecciato' signature leather handbags. The Studio 54 crowd was especially fond of the brand, and Andy Warhol was known to do much of his Christmas shopping in the New York boutique.

Bottega Veneta continued to prosper over the years, maintaining a focus mostly on handmade leather accessories like handbags, belts, and shoes. Their incredibly luxe Intrecciato hand-woven leather styles became (and remain) a trademark of the brand, even through its sale to Gucci in 2001.

Although often colorful and certainly following and setting trends in fashion, Bottega Veneta creations usually lean towards clean lines and simple, classic color palettes. Trends are usually embraced subtly and as a result the brand has found a fine balance between cutting edge and timeless appeal.

Today Bottega Veneta is still known for fine leather and soft Intrecciato masterpieces but also offers a wide selection of other products for sale in boutiques around the world and online. Sunglasses, scarves, and hats are offered in cashmere knits and other materials and round out their leather offerings, helping the brand secure a solid spot in the niche of luxury accessories.

Cast your vote for the Readers' Choice Awards at http://www.luxist.com/awards-vote/accessories-awards.

Gallery: More From Bottega Venteta

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Tags: accessories, accessories-award, awards-main, bottega veneta, BottegaVeneta, luxist-awards

Apple Accessories Get an Upgrade from Mulberry

by Deb West (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

Every once in a while a design pairing is initiated that really works. It is no surprise that the new collection Mulberry has unveiled for Mac products falls into this category. Mulberry Creative Director, Emma Hill, is a Mac user herself and in a press release stated that she is "thrilled to launch our first collection for a whole host of Apple products including the MacBook, iphone and iPod." Consumers most likely will be excited as well when they see the marriage of Mulberry craftsmanship and practical solutions to keeping one's electronics protected without losing anything in the style department.

The collection features nine pieces including MacBook and MacBook Pro bags and sleeves as well as cross-bags for the iPhone or iPod touch. They have kept the exteriors of some of the most iconic Mulberry designs, including the Bayswater for women and the Brynmore for men, and adapted the interiors with features such as padding, pockets and headphone access. Some of the smaller items in the collection feature a bold smugged leopard print while the larger bags sport Mulberry's classic natural leathers.

Prices range from $250 - $1195 and the bags are currently in stores and available online after December 1st. It is not startling to see good creative ideas for accessories from Emma Hill who has previously worked her magic with Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs and The Gap. Those of you who are Mac aficionados still traipsing around with a ratty backpack or generic black shoulder bag should definitely look twice at this collection. Quite possibly it is time for an upgrade that has nothing to do with the software on your computer.

Tags: accessories, Apple, Apple iPhone, AppleIphone, Emma Hill, EmmaHill, MacBook, Mulberry

How to Wear a Scarf

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Scarves are a great way to dress up an otherwise drab outfit and can be layered with everything from a silk blouse to a cotton tank top. Some women have a knack for throwing on a scarf and instantly looking totally pulled together and gorgeous, but most of us have to make a deliberate effort in order to pull off the look successfully. The real key is confidence -- wear the scarf however you feel comfortable, in whatever way you think looks best, and in a color and material that flatters your skin tone. Truthfully, wearing a scarf isn't as complicated as it seems and is actually pretty difficult to get wrong, but there are a few rookie mistakes to avoid.

DO choose a material that fits the season. Lightweight scarves look great year round but save the heavier fabrics for fall and winter only.

DON'T mix too many patterns together. If you have a lot going on already in terms of prints or patterns on your outfit choose a solid colored scarf -- simple is usually better.

DO wear scarves to both formal and informal occasions -- just be sure to match the styling to the event. For something dressy try a sleek 'neckerchief' or an elegant butterfly wrap. For a more casual look the bandana is gaining popularity with celebrities.

DON'T be afraid to experiment. Scarves can not only be worn around your neck but also around your waist as a belt, on your head as a headband, or tied to the handle of your bag to add a punch of color and feminine flair.

DO collect scarves in a variety of colors, fabrics, and sizes so you have options when you're looking to accessorize. Although scarves are amazingly versatile they aren't all created equal and each has different strengths. The right scarf for the right occasion makes all the difference.

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Tags: accessories, accessories-pedia, cadillac-pedia, fashion, how to, HowTo, luxist-awards, main-pedia, scarf, scarves

How to Choose the Most Flattering Hat

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

dding a hat can make or break an ensemble, not to mention either flatter your face and highlight its best features or leave you looking decidedly unattractive. Finding the perfect hat for that perfect look your going for is much easier when you understand how to shop for your body and face shape.

Petite Frame Hats with a small brim, or no brim at all, usually compliment a petite frame by giving the illusion of height. Hats that are very large or have a wide brim can overpower a small person's appearance.

Tall Frame The taller the person the wider or larger the hat they can successfully wear. A hat with a brim that's too small can make a tall person look large and bulky.

The trick to finding a hat that compliments your face and head shape is balance. If your face is angular, go with a softer, rounder hat. If your face is full and round go with something more angular.

Square Face Hats with a full shape and a rounded crown will best flatter a square face.

Round Face Lengthen and balance a round face by wearing a hat with a structured, angled crown. Try one with an asymmetrical brim or wear a regular brim at a slight angle.

Oval Face People with an oval face can wear almost any hat style, just be sure it's proportionate to your frame and that the color suits your skin tone.

Heart Face Draw the eye upward by wearing a hat that's on the smaller side and sits up high on the head.

Other factors to consider...

Skin Tone Hats are worn close to your face so choose a color that flatters your skin tone.

Cheek bones A rule of thumb is that the crown of a hat should never be narrower than a person's cheek bones.

Comfort Perhaps the most important tip of all is to choose a hat that you feel comfortable and confident wearing, and that's appropriate for the occasion.

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Tags: accessories, accessories-pedia, hat, hats, how to, HowTo, main-pedia

Clara Kasavina - This Stuff is Gorgeous

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags, Jewelry

I had never heard of Clara Kasavina when I met Clara herself (right) at a recent event for BagTrends in New York City. Now, I'm a little obsessed. It wasn't just the fabulous handbags which caught my attention, it was the amazing work they do with crystals. I can't wait for you to look through the gallery and see the lavishly encrusted minaudieres and accessories, but first, here's a bit more information.

Clara and her husband Misha have been making handbags for 15 years. Clara designs the bags -- with resplendent taste -- and Misha is the model maker, whose superb craftsmanship is evident in each of their stunning final products.

The bags are made in a variety of jewel tones with different shapes and materials. "Usually we choose to match our python, so we have it in the python, we have it in satin," said Clara. Their other unmistakable feature is their dynamic and opulent use of Swarovski crystals, packed tightly but unevenly, like a mosaic. "They are like a skin almost," explained Clara, quite rightly. The result is bags and accessories with an extremely opulent vintage feel -- your bag may be new, but it looks like a hand-me-down from Princess Grace.

We see a lot of handbags, but we rarely see old-school glamour like this, and with the season's return to flashy, speakeasy styles, you'd be smart to pick up a Clara Kasavina for the holidays.

Gallery: Clara Kasavina

Tags: accessories, Clara Kasavina, ClaraKasavina, designer, handbags, jewelry, swarovski crystals, SwarovskiCrystals

Mischa Barton Designs Pricey Headbands

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Celebrity Design

Would you pay between $50 and $200 for a headband? Mischa Barton is betting (hoping?) you will! The actress has teamed up with handbag and jewelry designer Stacey Lapidus to launch a collection of 10 headbands in varying styles. Now, here at Luxist we love the expensive, exquisite accessory. But I feel compelled to question whether a headband -- at least those in this collection -- could possibly be worth this high of an asking price. You decide. See the gallery for a few styles.

Gallery: Mischa Barton Designs Pricey Headbands

Tags: accessories, celebrity designers, CelebrityDesigners, hair, headbands, Mischa Barton, MischaBarton

Henri Bendel To Stop Selling Clothing

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

New York department store Henri Bendel has a new way to deal with the economy. The store, which is part of Limited Brands, will stop selling clothing, switching focus to accessories and beauty products. With less merchandise the Fifth Avenue store will need less room and so it will give up one of its three floors. Around 20 people will be laid off in the transition.

Beauty and small gift products are still selling well or at least better than expensive clothing as more people "shop their closets" rather than heading to the stores. Limited is trying to get the most out of the Bendel brand, Years ago they came out with a line of Bendel-branded perfumes sold through their Bath & Bodyworks stores. That line has been discontinued but Bath & Bodyworks still sells Henri Bendel candles.

The NY Times says that a "more mall-like chain" of smaller stores selling Bendel-branded beauty and gift items is planned with six accessories-only stores set to open in shopping centers this year. It seems a terrible dilution of an esteemed brand which began over 100 years ago, rendering it a meaningless name.

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Tags: accessories, department store, DepartmentStore, henri bendel, HenriBendel

Kate Spade Jitney Coin Purse - Small Splurge

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags

We feature a lot of fantastic handbags, but what about what you keep inside your handbag? Here's a small splurge, just in time for summer (which I am so ready for after a cold, cold East Coast winter!). Kate Spade's cute and colorful Jitney Coin Purse, named after NYC's Hampton Jitney bus line, comes in two patterns, both with a summer theme: SPF (this page) and G&T (see below). The coin purse is cotton canvas with smooth cowhide trim and features a zipper closure and 14-karat light gold plated hardware. Unlined; 2.4" H x 3.5" W; $50.

Gallery: Kate Spade Jitney Coin Purse

Tags: accessories, change purse, ChangePurse, coin purse, CoinPurse, Kate Spade, KateSpade, smallsplurge, smallsplurges, spade, summer

SoLace Marbled Silk & Accessories

by Meg Massie (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

I first met Barb Polin when the two of us were stationed next to each other at a craft fair. I was showing fine jewelry and she had these gorgeous silk scarves... I basically spent all the money I made that day selling jewelry at Ms. Polin's booth. I should have known better than to actually visit her store, where I'd find more than small accessories -- whole outfits of the most beautiful marbled silk material I'd ever seen. Goodbye, paycheck.

I may have parted with more than I could afford at the time, but it was money well spent. Years later, everything I bought from Ms. Polin's studio, SoLace, is still holding up marvelously. The silk that she uses is extremely lightweight, but also very strong and sturdy, so these clothes are really an investment.

Most of her designs are made from a marbled fabric, which she dyes herself in her studio, making every piece one of a kind. She also marbles leather for accessories like wallets, photo albums, and various types of cases. Clothing styles are available for both men and women, and Ms. Polin has been known to take custom orders. You can browse and buy on the SoLace website, or catch her at a craft fair or in her studio in Elkton, Virginia, where you'll find an even better selection than what you see on her website.

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Tags: accessories, craft-fairs, dresses, handmade, leather, marbled-silk, silk, SoLace

Fendi Pouchette Shoulder Bag in Blue, Handbag of the Day

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

This delicious little shoulder bag by Fendi, the Pouchette Shoulder Bag is new and only available for pre-order.

The bag is small, just 8.5" by 5", and the "pouched" effect is meticulously crafted to give it dimension and style.

The strap itself is jewelry; a 7" drop with heart charm accents. This season it's all right to wear contrasting metals, so don't worry if you don't have anything to match the exact shade of yellow gold; try copper or white gold to complement it.

The bag is made exclusively in a dark blue, one of this season's hottest accessory colors. Dark blue may seem like a difficult color to manage as an accessory; it can clash with denim and look sloppy with a little black dress. Not to worry, this season, you'll find printed dresses with this color in the pattern and you can always pair it with gray.

Available from Saks Fifth Avenue, $410.

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Tags: accessories, bag, clutches, evening, fendi, pouchette, purse, purses, shoulder bags

Sarah Jessica Parker Wears Chanel's $250 Pantyhose

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Celebrity Shopping

NY Daily News Fashion (the poor man's Vogue?) ran a blurb a few days ago featuring Sarah Jessica Parker wearing a $250 pair of Chanel two-tone pantyhose. As Carrie Bradshaw would say, I couldn't help but wonder, what the heck was she thinking? Is her accountant on board with this kind of spending in a recession? But then I realized she might not have purchased them. The more famous and wealthy celebrities become, the less clothing and accessories they buy for themselves. Companies send them free items to advertise -- I mean, wear and use and enjoy. But as for SJP, and this legwear, I don't know. She's known to be highly professional, so maybe she did indeed buy these for herself.

During SJP's SATC days, you couldn't open a fashion magazine with reading about her wonderful style, classic glamour, etc. Then came her inexpensive Bitten line, which I haven't heard much about since its debut. The News item gives SJP props for getting back on the fashion track, but hits a sour note due to some not-very-nice comments from readers about her personal life (perhaps NSFW).

Tags: accessories, apparel, Chanel, fashion, pantyhose, Sarah Jessica Parker, sarahjessicaparker, SATC, SJP

Fetty of Brooklyn's Beautiful Broken Hearts

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Jewelry has traditionally been about femininity and beauty, with designers taking inspiration from the best and most beautiful things in life. But a growing trend lately is for designers to focus on exactly the opposite, expressing darker images of skulls, guns, weapons, and broken hearts. Fetty of Brooklyn has an interesting collection featuring themes of broken, beaten, and cut up hearts paired with the weapons that did the damage. The Royalty line is made of white and yellow gold decorated with pavé diamonds and other precious gems. The designs carry names like "Shot through the Heart" and "I Saw My Love" and are available as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.

Gallery: Fetty of Brooklyn Jewelry