Bag Snob X DKNY Treasure Bag

The Bag Snob X DKNY  line is a  collection of five essential pieces - think clutch, trendy, travel and tote. All are gorgeous, and suitable for many ocassions, but my heart belongs to the Treasure bag. What’s not to love, check out the neutral leather flap on charcoal gray with red straps and stitching. The gold hardware is an added bonus. They’re available online and in stores now.

While you’re at it, enter the DKNY contest to win a $200 American Express Gift card, and a Bag Snob X DKNY clutch valued at $265. You have until November 15th. Good luck!

 This little black dress is definitely the splurge of the two at $2,300, The Row Marina leather dress is a stand-out. Shop it at Net-A-Porter.

My budget-friendly pick is a belted, button-up capped-sleeves dress sold at theOutNet for $265.

Shorts by Milly
Sandals by Miss L Fire

The 4th of July is a celebration of our nation’s independence, but that does not mean we have to abandon our sense of style.  Here are three looks that varies in price and style personality.

We’ll start from left to right.  First we have the mid-priced outfit.  It is a striped silk-blend camisole from Armand Basi, and is paired with a white skirt with navy blue embellishments and double stripes by ModCloth.  Christian Louboutin white leather wedge sandals, and a red Diesel bag accessorize this look.  

The second look is the lower-priced outfit, and it can be easily replicated.  You might already have similar pieces in your wardrobe.  It starts with a pair of Burberry oversized sunglasses, a Heritage 1981 strapless denim romper and a Wild Diva wedge sandal.  The romper is the must have piece this season, and denim is right on trend.

Finally we have the third outfit, and the pricier of the three looks.  Here we have an Emilio Pucci print top, and it’s accompanied by a pair of Milly sailor shorts and Miss L- Fire sailor wedge heels with stripe print designs.   It has a detachable nautical corsage that is removable.  The print in the blouse is perfectly contrasted with the stripes in the heel of the shoes.  Stripes are also big this summer.

Hopefully you will get inspired by these style ideas.  Happy 4th of July Weekend!!!

Cocktail Dresses by Rm By Roland Mouret
Sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti

There is nothing easier or chicer to put on than a simple black or white dress during the summer.  I selected black and white because  they are classic colors that deliver instant sophistication. 

The white dress is a RM by Roland Mouret and it is simply gorgeous, and intricately draped.  It’s paired with a hot pair of black Giuseppe Zanotti cut-out shoes.  In black we have the Tramando dress with the beautiful details at the neckline and another great pair of Zanotti’s in white.  There are no necklaces in sight because they would detract from the necklines of both dresses, so we used earrings and cuffs to fulfill the jewelry requirement. 

The black dress and accessories have a more vintage vibe, from the twenties inspired dress and painted design on the bag to the chandelier earrings and sandals with gold and silver studs that fall in a similar pattern.  I went in a totally different direction with the white dress and accessories.  They are more modern, from the shape and structure of the dress itself, to the architectural nature of the the Judith Leiber clutch and the designs on the cuff.  Black and white need not be boring, but can be translated into elegance and style at a moment’s notice.

Cocktail Dresses by Preen
Platforms by Stella McCartney

Here is an example of accessorizing one cocktail dress to make two distinct, but equally edgy looks.  We have a Preen turquoise dress that’s unfortunately sold out, but is a great example of the perfect little turquoise dress.  Hopefully it will inspire you to find something similar and put a ring or necklace on it.  

My main goal was to show you how a necklace, cocktail ring and the right shoes can alter your look.  We went for for a high-low concept because that’s the mark of true style, and that’s how we all shop.  In the gold look, the Preen dress is at the higher price-point, while the gold N.Y.L.A. cut-out booties are only $89.  It was paired with the Max & Chloe necklace with multi-colored rhinestones at $250, that’s more than the shoes.  The clutch is a Michael Kors’ marine colored python at $696.  Here we used the  gold peep-toe booties to take this look from safe to edgy.

For the second look we went with color.  The turquoise dress was acessorized with a pair of fuchsia satin platform sandals by Stella McCartney and it’s sold for $525.  The pleated satin tie-die evening clutch and cocktail ring are at the lower price-point; the clutch retails for $98, Lori’s Shoes and Kenneth Jay Lane blue beads and crystals ring with a turquoise stone also retails for $98.

Get inspired, go and shop your closets, then go out and find the right accessories to give them new life.  Remember to have fun and to mix and match,  these looks are also interchangeable.

The little white dress will be everywhere this summer because it’s the newest trend of the season.  You don’t have to settle for just any white dress, you can opt for dresses with geometric shapes or cut-outs.  Shapes and designs provide a visual interest that breaks the monotony.  Pristine white in the summer adds instant chic and sophistication, but be sure to complement it with color.  Too much white carries the risk of someone asking you to take their temperature.  Add some personality with a printed scarf, a yellow bag or turquoise sandals.  You can find a little white dress in different price ranges, here the dresses are priced from $225 to $1695.  The one-shoulder cut-out sheath is a Michael Kors at you guessed it, $1695 and all the others are under $350.