iWant: Gypsies and Debutantes Friendship Bracelet

Gypsies and Debutantes is the jewelry line that is the brainchild of Boston resident Lana Soussan who transforms a classic friendship bracelet into something that is upgraded from something you made at camp into something much more luxurious, bold and modern. Drawing inspiration from Native American textiles and a desire to mix preppy, bohemian and punk, Lana uses vintage Swarovski rhinestones, Austrian crystals, spikes and studs to accent the bold colors and patterns of each bracelet.

The bracelets retail for $98 a piece and are available for purchase online.



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Anxiously Awaiting: FLARE x Aldo Fall 2012 Collection

Earlier this week, Aldo tweeted a preview of their upcoming collaboration with Canadian publication FLARE.  I'm dying to get my hands on the burgundy and red pair on the right.

Aldo and FLARE had collaborated last season on a pair of sandals which quickly sold out across Canada.  For fall, FLARE fashion director Elizabeth Cabral designed three pieces - a stacked heel for the day, lace bootie for the night, and a tote.

Photo by Daniel Harrison via Flare.com

FLARE x Aldo shoes: Oxblood shootie, $155 & Lace stiletto bootie, $175

I can't stop staring at these shoes.  I love the texture and details of each pair.  The red shooties make such a bold statement, and the lace booties are super feminine. Shoe lust!

Photo by Daniel Harrison via Flare.com

FLARE x Aldo shoes: Faux croc bag in blue and red, $70

And these bags with their bold color and texture are so awesome!  I would love to make one of these my work bag.

You can read all about the design process at flare.com.  The capsule collection will be sold online and at select Aldo locations, but I believe that's limited to Canada.  Time to reach out to your favorite Canadian.

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. 

iWant: Thomas IV Bags

Over the weekend I checked out Terrfic Mag's pop-up shop at Union Pool. The event featured 20 of New York’s finest independent clothing, jewelry, and accessories designers, including Thomas IV. This line of mix textile handbags can be found at fine boutiques like Bird, Steven Alan and Oak, all personal favorites of mine.

Thomas IV "Marisa Small Bag", $395 fall pre-order

It was my first time coming across Thomas IV, and I have to say I'm definitely a fan. The line was inspired by designer Lia Cinquegrano's desire to find an everyday handbag that reflects her personal style. Her mixed print, mixed textile aesthetic really speaks to me. I love her color palettes and the functionality of her bags. Made with leather and canvas and a minimal use of hardware, the bags are all very lightweight. And the bucket bags were lined with plenty of pockets inside and out.

Thomas IV "Joanie Bucket" ikat$495 fall pre-order


Thomas IV "Joanie Bucket" camel, on sale $299 (reg $495)
These were my favorites on Saturday, and I'm still thinking about the Joanie Bucket bag in camel. It's from her Spring Summer collection, but I would feel comfortable toting it into the fall and super excited to have a Thomas IV handbag in my collection.

iWant: Huit Cupcake Bandeau Bra & Briefs

I've been eying this adorable "cupcake" set from French lingerie line, Huit. I first came across this line at Brooklyn Fox in Williamsburg.

The cupcake series includes a few different bras (full cup, push up, brandeau) and couple different bottoms (low rise boyshorts and briefs). My personal favorites are the bandeaus and bottoms.


Huit Cupcake Bandeau Strapless Bra, $89
The bandeau is just so freakin' cute. As a push-up bra, the scalloping reminds me a bit of fig leaves and less of sweet cupcakes.



Huit Cupcake Low Waisted Brief Pant, $45
I really love the bottoms, especially the back. How cute is that little sweetheart? This style is available in black, a nude-like rose and bright purple.

The links above will take you to HerRoom which offers free shipping, but in case your size is out, you can also find Huit at Faire Frou Frou and Largo Drive.

While I'm totally in love, I probably won't buy this set just yet. There are a lot of great sample sales happening right now, so it's hard to justify spending $140 when I might be able to put that money towards a nice dress or even two!

iWant: Bliss Lau Elbowed

Everytime I get bored with accessories I browse through Bliss Lau's website and I always find bolder, unique pieces that I want. How friggen rad is this elbowed piece?? I've been looking for a leather cuff to sit higher on my arm but haven't found anything I like until now.

Elbowed - $158 (all images courtesty of Bliss Lau)

It can be worn directly against your skin or over a shirt and will mold to the shape of your arm with time - so it should only get better with age. It comes with four snap closures which secure on the inside of your elbow and is available online in black matte bovine leather.

iWant: 80%20 Eliotte Toggle Geometric

About 5 months ago when I was moving, I counted all of the shoes in my closet and was sligtly horrified by how many I had. So I decided to start strictly enforcing, "one in, one out". Since then I haven't bought a new pair of shoes, but I think I may have found the pair to update my collection!

I've been eying the Eliotte Toggle booties from 80%20. I love how warm and comfy they look, just perfect for winter! I like them in black pony hair, but I absolutely adore them in this geometric print. With the signature 80%20 hidden wedge, they would look hot with leggings. And in this print, these booties would be a great touch to a layered look.

These desert boot-inspired shoes are quite affordable. You can find them for $80-$115 depending on the color at endless.com and karmaloop.com. You can also find them at anthropologie.com, but they'll cost you $158 there.

iWant: Octopus Me

Maybe you’ve realized my love of the strange, the unexpected and the slightly dark when it comes to jewelry and other accessories. Maybe because when people see me they expect me to be this sweet girly girl and I suppose I can be at times, but I use accessories as an outward expression to signal that things are not always what they seem. I find contrast to be sexy, intriguing and captivating. Perhaps that is why I am so drawn to this fabulous ring that I found on the Etsy shop Octopus Me thanks to a discussion with my friend RY. I’m more than a little obsessed with the idea of tentacles wrapped around my little finger and the oxidized silver ring is the perfect interpretation. Unfortunately I’ve been shopping a bit incessantly lately and I’ll have to hold off on this obsession for now. But maybe you can indulge on this ring that can be work in multiple directions to create a new look and organic feel. If the ring doesn’t catch your fancy I’m also feeling the Baby Octopus Pendant! Delicious.

Tentacle Wrap Ring, $225.

Possible Reissue: Farylrobin Arial Wedges

Last week I was looking through photos from Yuli of myitthings.com, and I noticed that she had a pair of wedges that I stalked for months a few years ago. I stalked them so hard; I knew them by name, style and everything.

Designer, Farylrobin. Style, Arial. Release, summer 2008. That summer I was a little strapped for cash, so I didn't buy them right away. By the time I was ready, they were sold out of my size! I would find them in white or tan, but never in my size.

So I was really excited (and a little jealous) when I saw them on Yuli, and I think the fact that she's still wearing them over two years later really speaks to their quality. She told me that they're super comfortable and that people are always asking her about them. Our chat inspired me to tweet to Faryl, and to my delight, she wrote back!


Who's super excited? I am!

Until then if you're looking for a similar pair, check out these other wedges from Farylrobin. They're also an older style. While not quite as cute in my opinion, they serve a similar purpose and could be worn into fall with the right tights. And bonus, they're on sale at amazon.com. Price varies based on size and color, but you could get them for as cheap as $34.20! Quite the steal for a practical pair of wedges.

iWant Warby Parker $95 Glasses

Warby Parker is a new line of eye wear, and they're revolutionary because for $95 you get a fresh pair of boutique-like eyeglasses and lenses. By selling directly to consumers through their website and avoiding traditional channels (the man), they're able to keep prices low.

And as if that wasn't enough reason to love then, Warby and Parker parters with non-profits like RestoringVision.org to deliver a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair that they sell. So amazing!

The glasses are available exclusively online, and you can order up to five pairs to try-on at home with free shipping. I've been wanting to try this for myself, but it looks like they're out of stock due to overwhelming demand. I'm not surprised since they were recently featured in Daily Candy, NY Mag's The Cut and GQ. I've played with their virtual try-on and am in love, so I anxiously await the arrival of new inventory!

iWant McQueen's Dogtooth Cardi-Coat

I've been lusting after this coat for awhile and been meaning to post about it. The other night I was browsing some old entries from a fellow Indepedent Fashion Blogger, and she had posted about the same coat, which reminded me to get on it before winter is over.

This coat by Alexander McQueen, and I like he calls it "dogstooth" rather than houndstooth. I love how warm and comfortable this piece looks, and true to McQueen style, this coat is very dramatic with its oversized print and heavy draping.
What's funny about this coat is how different it looks on the model at Bergdorf Goodman. It makes me wonder how it would look on me. I'm pretty sure it'd be awful since I'm not very tall.

If you're into the coat and can afford to drop a couple grand, it's currently 65% off at Bergdorf from $4,365 to the low, low price of $1,528.

iWant. I Need: Long Jersey Skirt

Rick Owens Right, Black Market Baby Left

I've been noticing the past few seasons on the runway the advent of a skirt shape that has quietly snuck it's way into my personal must-have list. It's nothing as gimmicky as bubbles, or peplums but the long jersey skirt is definitely a new classic. You may have seen this sort of skirt shape on the Olsens (particularly Mary-Kate) but I'm hoping it'll be coming to my closet soon.

The recent Net-a-Porter dedicated email to Rick Owens reminded me of this need. And although I love, $550 is out of my budget. But if you can afford to splurge on the Rick Owens version, feel better as the the skirt doubles as a flattering tube dress!

Fortunately a bit of googling led me to discover Canadian (Yay!) designer Audrey Cantwell and her line Salem which she sells on her Etsy shop Black Market Baby. The Salem version of the long jersey skirt definitely runs in the same vein as the Rick Owens version, but comes at a fraction of the price at a mere $60. While you're there, check out the rest of her shop for simple smoking hot slightly gothic pieces with attitude and great prices.

iWant Zaha Hadid x Melissa

Pritzker Prize winner, Zara Hadid is a famous architect, perhaps best known in the fashion world for the Chanel Mobile Art Exhibit, and you all know about my obsession with Melissa jelly shoes. So you can imagine my excitement when I learned about the Zaha Hadid x Melissa collaboration was announced.

I got a glimpse of the pair back in July 2008, and I've been anxiously awaiting their arrival ever since. They were available overseas for about a year, and now they're available in the US at revolveclothing.com.

These lust-worthy shoes retail for $232, which is a lot for me and feels especially pricey for a pair of plastic shoes. So for now, they'll remain a wishlist item.

iWant: Thakoon's Mirror Mosaic Boots

I love Thakoon's Mirror Mosaic Boots. I've always been a fan of sparkly objects especially disco balls! These shoes encapsulate everything I love about disco balls and turns them into some sexy sculptural open toe boots with mini cut-outs. Perhaps that's why when I decided to try to sketch, I couldn't think about anything else? They really have got my imagination held captive...so figured some practice was better than none.

The perfect party shoes for the season, but for $1,195 on Net-a-Porter guess I can only dream on.

iWant Surface to Air Wedges

God, I love these shoes. These multi-buckle wedges are from last season, from French label Surface to Air. I am in love with just about everything by From Surface to Air - always sleek, refined and fun.

These shoes were available at Oak and Gargyle, but I didn't buy them because at $358 they were out of my price range. I've been thinking about the shoes for so long that I've been searching for them again. Even if I could bring myself to spend the money, I definitely can't get them because they're sold out everywhere. Bummer. C'est la vie?

iWant Faryl Robin Spring 2010 Wedges

Thank you to High Snobette for bringing these shoes to my attention! These white wedges are from Faryl Robin's Spring 2010 collection. I'm a fan of the Faryl Robin because her shoes are cute, affordable and fit tested by real women in the office!

When I first saw this pair, they reminded me a bit of the Poseidon booties from Chloe a few seasons back, which I never bought because they were out of my budget.
The pair from Faryl Robin is a bit more casual and organic feeling than the Chloes.

I'll admit that these Faryl Robins look a little strange, but I think it's what I love about them. I picture these shoes with flowy spring/summer dresses during the day and dark dresses with architectural shoulders for the evening. I feel like these could be very versatile despite their bold look.

Unfortunately, these shoes won't be available until spring, but fortunately, they'll probably be affordable like most pairs from Faryl Robin. iWant today, and I'll have in the future.

iWant: Camilla Skovgaard

I had just finished dinner and was walking by a Brooklyn boutique when these shoes screamed at me from the window! These shoes by Danish Designer Camilla Skovgaard are dangerous and the price tag at $440 isn't exactly friendly either. The chain paired with the intense serrated grip sole (which is the designer's signature sporty touch) adds both drama and function to these 4 1/2" heels. What can I say except, I love to love these babies! Unfortnately from me even if I could afford them, they don't come in size 5 :(...but for those who can dream Camilla Skovgaards are available on Net-A-Porter.com, Shopbop.com and Endless.com.

iWant a-morir Studded Sunglasses

I met a-morir designer Kerin Rose a couple months back on a disco yacht, and since then she's been blowin' up! Her eyewear has been spotted on celebs like Katy Perry and Rihanna, and she was recently interviewed by Vibe magazine.

Check Rihanna rockin' the Barracuda in Jay-Z's "We Run This Town".
Her latest pair, the studded Barracuda has me drooling. Look at them! They're so badass, and yes, you can see through them.

The shades are available on preorder for $350. But I'm not Rihanna, Lady Gaga or a baller, so for now it's just daydreaming and iWant-ing. To see more from a-morir or place an order, click here.

iWant Hervé Léger Multifacted Oval Clutch

I'm so jealous of that model. One, she's a model, and two, she's got a bunch of Hervé Léger clutches!

The clutch I want is from Hervé Léger's spring 2009 collection. I fell in love the first time I saw it, but since it retails for $598 I forced myself to move on. Months later I find myself still lusting after the darn thing, so I figure it's time for an overdue iWant post.

It's cute, geometric and comes in bright, bold colors. How could one resist? Oh, right, I need to eat and pay rent. If I was a baller or had some extra cash, I'd definitely go for the lime green clutch. What color would you pick?

iWant: Skeleton Hand

For Fendi Royalty Delfina Delettrez, a 4th generation Fendi, design is in her blood. Her great-grandmother, grandmother and mother are all shared her passion, but following in her father's footsteps, Delettrez launched her jewelry line almost 2 years ago.

Forget knuckle rings, I think that this skeleton hand is pretty super amazing! It's also in sync with the rising recent bone trend. Unfortunately it has a pretty out of this world sort of price tag. It's £15,000 or $27 378 as a special order piece from Luisaviaroma! Wish there was a version that did not feature 18 ct gold, 422 diamonds (for a total of 4.4 carats) or an 11 carat Cabocon Ruby, because maybe then I could one day even dream of affording it! Definitely one for the permanent iWant collection as I will never own!!!