These metallic handbags are very on trend for the season. The Sak signature leather Marlboro shoulder bag in Bronze Foil Metallic (top left, $99) is very chic. I love the small pocket on the back–it’s perfect for quick cell phone or Metro card access. And the color goes with just about anything, from black to brown hues–adding a metallic pop to any outfit. It also comes in Black, Black Patent, Chocolate Foil Metallic, Pewter Foil Metallic, and Winter White Patent. The Elliott Lucca Etoile gold patent leather small satchel (top right, $168) is ultra glam. The woven leather handles are very haute, and of course, patent leather is the It trend for fall and winter–so make your look shine from the office to cocktail hour. It also comes in Silver, Wine Croco, Midnight Patent and Black Patent.
Fashion expert Blair Lake shows you how to spice up a plain outfit for four very different looks using only accessories. The first trendy look is a big green and gold statement necklace with a large black cuff and large green gemstone ring. Another haute style is to wear shiny patent leather pumps and big, bright satchel. Or dress more casual chic with a winter hat (especially in right now is the Sony) and matching scarf around the neck, waist or handbag. The final look is my personal favorite–metallic over-sized clutch and flat knee-high boots. Make any outfit pop this season with these fabulous accessories!
With the season’s emphasis on patent and glossy leather styles in the handbag department, Stella McCartney serves up a few chic and classic selections this year, even encouraging a few gemstone accents on each piece. Black patent leather is the easiest way to dress up and dazzle, and whether you choose a tote, bowler, or oversized clutch, Stella McCartney offers us a few distinct designs to keep us in line with the season’s trends.
Glossy, wet-looking patent leather is a great way to add glamor to a day or evening look. Net-a-porter.com recommends pairing a dress with patent shoes and clutch for evening, veering away from the typical leather with gray or blue, and mixing high shine with a chunky knit. On the higher-priced end, check out this gray lurex halter dress from Lela Rose retails for $1,695 and these Pedro Garcia ankle boots for $440. For more affordable ways to add shiny leather to your wardrobe. Try these Isaac Mizrahi ankle boots at Target for $36.99, or patent clutch for $14.99 (images on next page).
If you live in New York City, you probably already know, and shop at, Steven Alan. For those of you who don’t live in the greatest city in America (sorry, I live here), Steven Alan is a designer/store. Steven Alan, the store, sells both Alan’s own work and lines like Acne Jeans, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Opening Ceremony. If you don’t live in New York, don’t fret, Steven Alan has an online shop at stevenalan.com. New items at the webstore include this fantastic pair of wide-leg jeans from K.A.7 for $196, Delman patent leather boots for $495, and this cropped puffer jacket from Rachel Comey for $425. So, if you aren’t lucky enough to live in The City, you can still shop Steven Alan’s great picks.
This fall, platform heels remain chic while becoming more streamlined and less clunky. The pair above is from Narciso Rodriguez’s fall 2007 ready-to-wear collection. The peep toe, black leather, and large buckle give the shoe a tough rocker look. For a cheaper, similar shoe try the pair at right from Dru NY found at UrbanOutfitters.com for $150. The patent leather T-strap and platform heel will also give you that rocker vibe while keeping your precious little toes warm as the weather cools.
From:Debenhams show us how to avoid tanning disasters this year