Ways to Wear: Print Shirt & Leather

Fashion blogging has changed a lot over the last few years. When Erin and I started this project six years ago, the blogging community was smaller and really supportive. We met so many amazing people who shared in a genuine passion for design and clothes. Then it evolved into a parade of new, new, new and a rat race to see who could get the most swag. This and a few other factors lead to some burnout for me.

While reflecting upon what I loved most about the early days of blogging, I was reminded that it wasn't always about the specific items featured, but rather the way they were styled. I want to return to that. To bring this idea to life, I will make each of my outfit posts going forward about the 2+ ways I styled an article of clothing.

Here's an old RACHEL Rachel Roy top that I wear often. The print is made up of an assortment of colors, so it matches many pieces in my closet - white skirt, blue jeans, etc. With the recent chill, I've started to bust out the leather, which I paired with this top for warmth.

Sample Sale Report: Tusk

If you’re in need of an affordable lightweight handbag at a great price the Tusk Sample Sale is definitely the place to go.  While the handbags may be manufactured in India – fine Italian leathers are used in combination with handcrafted hardware from Italy or Japan.  Each piece is sturdy yet super lightweight so the bag itself won’t weigh you down. 

As for the sale itself it was brightly lit and well organized by bins and racks with clearly marked prices. Staffers were super friendly and knowledgeable about the products.  Everything is marked significantly off retail at 50-75% off  and  if you spend $300 or more you get an extra 10% off!

There are also plenty of small leather goods at this sale that start at just $15. With a wide assortment of affordable items like card cases, jewelry boxes, iPod cases, wallets and clutches – the Tusk Sample Sale is a great gift giving destination.  Most of what is available to buy is carefully wrapped in plastic to protect the items from being touched and torn apart by rabid shoppers.  An example item of each is displayed on top of each bin so you can look inside and get a feel for the item.  The same goes for the handbags – everything that is currently out on the floor are “display models” - the staffers have brand new inventory in the back that they will bring you for purchase until they reach the last item/floor model that they will offer at a discounted price.

Studio Time with Monica Botkier

I recently had the chance to pay one of my favorite handbag designers, Monica Botkier, a visit in her Soho design studio/showroom.  We sat and talked about life, her family (she is the mother of 3!), how she fell into accessory design while working as a photographer and she even doled out some life advice for me in the manner of a wiser older sister as she showed me her upcoming Spring collection.  While I can't share images yet I can tell you about a design shift away from the downtown slouchy bags which the designer built her name on to more structured, luxe new classics.  The result is definitely very lady-like but with always an element of fun - like a pop of electric color or unique materials like rubberized leather.

While Botkier has always embraced unique Italian leathers, one of the big changes is that going forward all of the hardware is customized.  In fact I just learned that all of the gold tone hardware that will be used going forward is actually gold plated!  This results in a rich tone and very even smooth finish.  Even the nameplate and zipper pull are also undergoing a minor transformation from an oval to a more square shape!  Despite the changes the Botkier core commitment to lightweight, functional, quality handbags remains the same. 

Love at First Blush

A couple weeks ago I met the creator of Love at First Blush - Sabrina Chin, who created a collection of leather cuffs and statement accessories. Each piece is handmade in Montreal by the designer herself.

Rooted in traditional craftsmanship, folklore and modern techniques, the brand utilizes traditional paper cutting techniques on leather. Her pieces are flirty, romantic, whimsical and provocatively edgy all at the same time!

The collection is currently made up of necklaces, arm cuffs and bracelet cuffs which come in an assortment of colors and cutout shapes. Not only is Sabrina great with leather but she works wonders with chains. I broke one of my accessories a while ago in a tired frenzy trying to take it off my wrist and Sabrina helped me fix it in no time flat! Amazing!

Like all great accessories, versatility is key and Chin's products are just that. From the boudoir, to a stroll in the park, to a night out, her pieces have you covered. They transition easily from one setting to the other and are soft enough to add a feminine flare to your outfit while giving you an edgy appeal that isn't over-the-top.

The above feather necklaces are crafted out of leather and have a metal wire running through the center which allows you to bend and shape the feather into whatever position you like. Another great addition to these necklaces are adjustable chains which (16"-20") which enables you to customize the placement and modify your look.

Priced between $30 and $85, her accessories won't break the bank and will definitely ramp up any outfit! Her pieces are currently sold online and you can check it out here.

Bird in Flight black leather cuff

Sample Sale Report: Be and D

I managed to make it to the sale at the tail end of the day with just 10 minutes to spare I swung by the sale in a whirlwind. Maybe I didn’t catch everything but from what I did see, there were bargains aplenty for those in the market for shoes or a new handbag. Since photos weren’t really allowed at the sale, I snuck a few shots when the opportunity arose! For large bags I spotted plenty of studded and patent varieties for $100 a pop or 2 for $175. for smaller bags there were several boxes of assorted varieties for $50 a pop or 2 for $75. I spotted some cute metallic ruffled clutch varieties. For smaller accessories patent leather wristlets were $25 each or 2 for $40 while studded bracelets were $10 a pop. Some other small leather goods were $40 a pop and 2 for $75, studded coin purses were $50 and the prices topped out at $150 or 2 for $250 for the Garbo and Kan-Kan wallet.

When it comes to shoes there were plenty of options. I noticed some studded canvas espadrilles as I walked in for around $18 a pop. If you are a size 37 however, it’s your lucky day as samples were marked at $50 a pop or 2 for $75! If you are not a 37 though fret not as they have other styles including many a sexy studded pump in a full size range from 36-40. Shoes were most plentiful in between sizes 36-38. Unfortunately I have size 35 feet, or else I would definitely have left the sale with some shoes. For stock shoes prices hovered from $75 to $225 for knee high boots with most in the $125-175 category.

While I didn’t have a chance to check out the backroom at the sale where most of the stock purses were kept, according to Be and D’s tweets The Donnington bag down to $575 from $1325.

PS Watch out for the adorable curly haired white & beige puppy at the sale that will steal your heart!

Who: Be & D Sample Sale
What: Up to 75% off handbags, footwear and small accessories. The Genesis bag in prailine is $495 (was $1,095), the Joe ballet flat in leopard is $175 (was $350) and the Woodstock homo in tiger is $795 (was $1,495).
When: May 23-25, 2011. Mon-Wed 9am-7pm
Where: 260 W 36th St. - 8th floor (b/n 7th and 8th Ave).

Recommended Product: Leather Honey

One of my personal goals has been to buy fewer items, so that when I do make a purchase, it's for a nice investment piece. Investment pieces take some love and care to maintain - careful storage during off season, perhaps dry cleaning, etc.
A few weeks ago I noticed that my prized leather jacket was starting to show some signs of wear and tear, even dryness. After much research, I decided to try out Leather Honey. As you'll read on their website:

"...invented in 1968, Leather Honey has been used to rejuvenate and recondition old leather and soften and protect new leather. Made in the USA and sold by the same family for over 25 years as Harness Honey, our non-toxic, water repellent formula penetrates deep into leather's pores..."

I love that the product is non-toxic and made domestically by a family-owned business, and above all, it works really well! So far I've used it on my buttery-soft leather jacket and tougher roper boots, and I had good results with both.

Leather Honey doesn't clean, so you'll need to wipe down the surface first. The instructions suggest applying with a lint-free cloth, paint brush or foam sponge. The product is thick like honey as the name suggests. So I actually used a piece of old pantyhose; I cut off the top part of a pair with control top. I liked how it didn't absorb as much product and it gave me more control over where I was applying the conditioner.

You can find a 8oz bottle at Amazon for $15.95, and trust me, a little goes a long way!

Deal of the Day: Hayden-Harnett Quorra Crossbody

If you missed Hayden-Harnett's sample sale a few weeks ago, you have another chance to score a deal on a handbag and other leather goods. Lots of goods are 50-70% off in-store and online.

I bought the Quorra crossbody bag for $109, which I already thought as a deal at the time, but now it's only $62 (retail 248)! I would probably be more upset if it'd be sitting in my closet for the past few weeks, but I've actually been wearing it almost everyday. I love small crossbody bags; they're so convenient and great for going out.

The bag is a little stiff and the silver living doesn't hold up that well against scratches, but overall the bag is well made with quality leather. It fits all the basics with a little stacking - wallet, iPhone, work Blackberry, Canon point & shoot camera, keys, etc, chapstick, pens. A recommended purchase for those looking for a small structured bag.

Sample Sale Report: Hayden-Harnett

Hayden-Harnett is having an incredible sale online and in-store. I stopped in the Greenpoint flagship last night expecting to leave with something since they are one of my favorite Brooklyn labels, but I kind of surprised myself when I left with two tops, a skirt and crossbody bag. But seriously, I don't feel guilty because everything was seriously discounted. If you're a Hayden-Harnett fan, this sale is a must!

Bags and leather goods were 50-70% off; many on the 70% off end. Small leather goods and bags were all under $100 - lots of small crossbody bags and drawstring bucket bags. Larger bags, which usually sell for $360-$500, are currently on sale for $150-$300. Hayden-Harnett bags are really well made. I bought my first Hayden-Harnett bag over three years ago, and it's still going strong.
Clothes were also seriously discounted! Silk dresses, that usually sell for $248, are on sale for $50. Tops and bottoms were only $25. I took home a beautiful wool-silk skirt that retails for $300+. Bananas, I tell you! There was also a bin of swimwear, mostly size XS and M - all on sale for $20 a suit.

If you're in north Brooklyn this weekend, definitely stop by the shop in Greenpoint. It's adorable and the merchandise is all neatly laid out. There unfortunately is only one fitting room, but the music is good and the staff is really nice. And if you're not in NYC, don't worry. Prices are just as sweet online at haydenharnett.com/samplesale.

Who: Hayden-Harnett
What: 50-70% leather goods & deeply discounted womenswear
When: now through Sunday 2/20. Saturday 12-7pm. Sunday 12-6pm
Where: 211 Franklin Street, Greenpoint Brooklyn 718.349.2247

Trends: Summer Leather

Celine Spring 2010, Yves Saint Laurent Spring 2010

For Spring 2010, leather was allover the runway. While leather never really goes out of style, it seems to have evolved into new forms of casual dress.

Hermes Spring 2010, Balenciaga Spring 2010

Thanks to Phoebe Philo's Spring 2010 Celine collection, I have never wanted a leather t-shirt so bad. Clean lines in a slick unexpected material look so perfectly modern and minimalist. At Balenciaga, leather thrown into school girl kilts looked perfectly good girl gone bad. And while leather shorts are nothing new, the way it's been paired with neutral tone basics makes leather look day wear acceptable, light and summery.

While leather is now tissue thin and somewhat breathable, I still have a difficult time taking the plunge as something to wear now. I've seen adorable leather t-shirts at Theory, Lani's loving pleather shorts at Rachel Rachel Roy, Timo Weiland had amazing perforated leather tanks, and Veda has a variety of leather tank & short options.

No doubt the look is adorable but in New York City this summer has seen weeks on end where the asphalt hit 100+ degrees Farenheit (or 37+ degrees Celsius) and humidity makes a girl find ways to sweat while standing still, I've had difficulty wearing anything but the sheerest jerseys or cottons.

As more and more summer leather hits the shelves, the question remains, would you wear summer leather?

Chloé Spring 2010, Michael Kors Spring 2010