MZ Wallace NY : A Designer Handbag Without the Scary Price Tag

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2012, about MZ wallace, accessories, accessories for all occasions, Affordable fashion, affordable luxury, bio, birthday gifts, boutiques, budget friendly, christmas gift ideas, clearance handbags, clutch with strap, couture accessories, Designer Handbags, fashion, fashion designers, Fashionista, Flagship store, Gifts for your wife, grey leather clutch, handbag with pockets, Handbags under $500, I need a good purse, Italian Leather, leather, many color options, MZ wallace, New York, NYC, On sale, Peacock Bedford Kate, places to shop in NYC, practical fashion, practical handbag, Price is Right, retail store, shop online, shop till you drop, slouch bag, snake print tote, SOHO, Summer must have, Teal purse, tokyo japan, Upper west side, utilitarian fashion, west village, what women want

Grey Nubuck Leather Camille Clutch $325 (sold here)

The airport is the best “People Watching” spot that exists (if that’s your kind of thing!) As a makeup artist and fashion junkie, I can carry 4 bags, dig through my vintage clutch to find my ID (amidst the million lip glosses and receipts,) check in, go through security, find my gate and grab a coffee, all the while sub-consciously absorbing the beautiful, hilarious, and enamoring clothing and accessories worn around me

Going through security is a pain, but that’s when you see all the goods. Shoes! Handbags! Everyone needs to remove their shoes and empty their purses to get to the other side.

While exiting the “body scanner”, a lady behind me apologized for her mass amount of stuff that was causing a traffic jam on the security belt. No need to apologize, lady!! Her handbag was a jaw dropping, mouth-watering spectacle of all things DONE RIGHT! (below)

THE BAG “Peacock Bedford Kate” $395 (sold here)

I couldn’t put my finger on what designer it was, so after a quick exchange of questions: where she was headed (LA) and what she did for a living (built movie sets), I couldn’t help but compliment her on the teal “slouch” double strapped , creamy leather bag she was carrying.

Trying out my (usually spot on) “Price is Right” guessing ability, I asked what designer it was. “MZ Wallace” she answered. Hmmm, never heard of that, which usually means (for this budget fashionista) that it was too expensive for me to even KNOW about. I took a wild guess at the price. “Probably runs about $11, $1,200 (waving my hand back and forth, in a “give or take” motion to make it a safe guess.) I failed. Her response was wide-eyed and smiley and frankly made me happy, as she stated that her husband bought it for her in NY and it was around $450.

Snake Print Ava Tote $225 (on SALE Here)

That’s when I pulled up MZ Wallace on my trusty Iphone just to swoon over the bags while waiting for take off! Not sure (as a native New Yorker) how I managed to miss such an eye catching, quality built, and budget friendly accessory!

MZ Wallace was created in 2000 by two born and bred NYC friends Monica and Lucy. The duo , both artists and hyper-successful self-made business women, collaborated their creativity and fashion knowledge that took their concept of a “luxurious and utilitarian” handbags to a worldwide “carry-on” cult . (Read their whole story here)

Flagship Store in Soho (more locations here)

What a wonderful MZ has done! They are constantly growing as a company with two flagship stores, SOHO NYC (and two other stores in NY), and one in Tokyo, Japan. Best Rof all, they have catered to the point, click, and ship shoppers by offering online purchasing as well as placements in 4,000 exclusive boutiques around the globe!

Warning: Looking too closely at this website will cause money to fall out of your bank account (because you will buy 3 bags, and not just 1). Proceed with caution!

Related Article : Swimsuits by Fashion Fern 

Spring 2012 Men’s Trends : The Fashion Forward Male

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all about men, andre the giant, asos.com, bamboo sunglasses, Band of Outsiders, beige, ben sherman canvas shoe, Best Dressed, Blazer, bloomingdales, blue seersucker suit, bringing the 90s back, bullet tie clip, casual suit, classic white comfortable shoe, clothing for every occasion, colored khakis, comfortable shoes, dockers, eclectic mens clothing, fashion, fresh, green toy watch, handsome, how to be fashionable, how to wear a suit, mad men, Mens, mens makeover, Menswear, modern, neiman marcus mens, new mens wardrobe, Obey anchor grey hat, obey clothing, obey grey shirt, On sale, ralph lauren, recommendations, shepard fairey, skinny tie, slim fit khakis, Spring 2012, spring summer 2012, street style, tailored slacks, teal blue pants, toms herringbone slip on, unique tie clip, Urban Outfitters, well dressed man, what colors to wear spring 2012, what to wear, white hooded windbreaker

Mens Spring Fashion Finds 

To my readers who happen to be Men ,  (a demographic i would like to appeal to more often) , I have carefully picked some items I believe are perfect for the YOU this spring.

There are so many trends flying around at the moment, that it may be hard to find where your style and the runway’s style begins and ends. No worries! Below is a combination of brain racking and 4 hours of research, picking and choosing the best of the best.

Most of my inspiration for Men’s fashion comes from my husband. He is a fashion forward male with swagger (that’s kinda why I married him!) I love watching him pick out clothes. I enjoy sitting at the coffee shop in ATL and scanning the guys “who just don’t give a ‘what’ “as they walk by wearing the clothes they picked from their laundry pile last night. Mix that with the runway and you have “real life fashion.” ‘Street Couture’ If you must.

We have two outfits or “styles” from which you can take inspiration and create a combination you love, or purchase the items that are listed.

The first Style is what I am calling the ‘Modern Mad Man’

Lauren Ralph Lauren Blue Seersucker
macys.com

Let’s just say right now, that a suit is no longer something you just wear to work . You wouldn’t believe how appropriate this suit would be (paired with the following accessories) to wear to any afternoon/night event including birthdays, weddings, and best of all, a date. It is a lightweight, perfectly tailored 2-button blazer, and a flat front, tapered skinny trouser. I would like to wear this if I could. It’s that beautiful.

Band of Outsiders Solid Skinny Tie
$125 - barneys.com

You might think , “Brielle , what the hell are you thinking?” when I pair this beige tie along with the lightest blue Seersucker Suit you’ve ever seen. I am doing this! You ARE going to wear this tie with that suit. It is perfect. Keeping with the ‘Modern’ take on a Mad Men style outfit, this skinny tie is the perfect addition to whatever shirt you would wear under it . Love Love Love.

Gentry Bullet Bar Tie clip
gentryman.com

Every fashion forward male knows what a Tie Clip is. If you do not, I am sorry , but you are fired; officially. If this is the first tie clip you have seen, you’re in luck, because it is so beyond fun. Bullets, Shells, and Guns are being seen everywhere in the underground fashion scene. This trend has not been “washed” yet, but because of the witty and fun design of all things weaponry, it soon will. So wear it while you still can. Then again, most people are afraid to wear anything different from their “Fraternity” motto tie clip, you may truly be the only one on the block with this “little buddy”.

Waiting For The Sun Redux Data Bamboo Sunglasses

$224 - asos.com

 Bamboo Shades: Now we’re talking!  Eco friendly, (as bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world) and what innovative designer would NOT think to use this material to create a wonderfully sturdy accessory? Don’t cringe at the price, as sunglasses are an essential part of your “get up” all year-long! The Dark Brown Bamboo and square frames make Ray Bans look like a thing of the past.

Toy Watch Mens Me03gr Green Steel Strap Watch
$251 - asos.com

This watch is rockin’. Everyone will be “green with envy.”  With the monochromatic beige and browns, you will need this pop of color. As your shake hands with your buddies, slap your significant other’s bottom, or wave your hands in the air “like you just don’t care,” this sweet piece of bling will emerge and blind people, in such a pleasurable way. You will be asked a million times where you purchased that thing. Keep the secret , just tell them “I know people.”

TOMS Overton Herringbone Slip-On

$100 - neimanmarcus.com

Nothing like a comfortable, beachy, feel like your walking in your bare feet, pair of Toms to finish the ensemble. These are Herringbone Classic Tom Style Slip-ons. If you know anything about me, my pinterest, my instagram, you would realize how much I love these shoes. I recently garment-glued mine back together. I have had them for four years and will never find my “one of a kinds” again. Get these! Even if you just wear them with jeans, Toms are so versatile : This pair will take the suit from “I’m at work” to  ”yeah I wear this kind of stuff everyday.”

The Second Style is a straightforward “Street Ready” outfit

Victorinox Clipper Hooded Windbreaker
$175 - bloomingdales.com

Windbreakers? What is it 1988 again? Yes, in fact it is, but in 2012. Fashion is cyclical and we are wearing what we wore when we were teenagers, just 100x classier. White is the “color” for spring/summer . I get scared when I wear white, but a windbreaker is different. They are usually waterproof, so “gon brush your shoulders off” No worries about stains. This Hooded ‘breaker is light enough to wear throughout the next few seasons. Wear it in the beachy breeze, or around the awesome fire pit all your friends will be dancing around.

T-shirt
obeyclothing.com

I am in love with the street artist Shepard Fairey , He is responsible for the stencil tagging of Andre the Giant lining the streets of  LA, NY, and the rest of the world. He is the brain behind ‘Obey’ the brand, and frankly, their clothing is a high fashion take on ‘street.’ Love this T-shirt sporting the stenciled     ‘Andre’ and the key word: OBEY you must and purchase this shirt,

Dockers® Dockers Slim Fit Khaki Pants
$59 - bloomingdales.com

You are either the guy who has 1 pair of jeans that have existed since middle school and despite the holes you cannot part with them, or you’re the guy who has so many pairs of jeans he can’t fit them in his closet and dresser combined! Let’s change that. Some men on the runway are wearing pastel yellows, greens, or neon purple pants, but I will not do that to you. It took me an hour to find a pair of colored khakis that were “none of the above.” Surprisingly, these Teal Slim Fits happen to be Dockers. But who can hate on such a ‘wise old sage’ of a company , they obviously know what they are doing. These pants are a must have.

Obey Obey Salty Dog Snapback Hat
$34 - urbanoutfitters.com

Cut and Dry. Men look good in hats. This again is an OBEY hat. The grey balances with the shirt and is a great combination with the shoes below. There is not much else to say but go ahead with your bad self.

Ben Sherman Mayfair Canvas
$105 - piperlime.gap.com

Excuse me- Move aside as this hunk comes through the crowd in his so fresh and so clean, crisp , white Canvas dress-up dress-down shoes. I think I like men’s fashion as much as I do women’s because I am about to purchase these…for my hubby. “Fresh” that’s all. You want to be the ultimate Fashionisto ? Pull out your dusty Shoe Cleaning Kit (the one you used to use for your air-force ones) and keep these suckers RIGHT.

That’s about all gentlemen. I would like some feedback on what you think about these outfits and what you would wear or what you would add!!

-fashionisabitch

Crop Top Devotion : The Resurgence of the Two Piece Get Up

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ACNE Stufdios, ASOS, Betsey Johnson, Body Types, classy, confidence, Crop Top, Crop Top Resugence, Cropped top, European Culture Skirt, Feminine Chic, great body, Heart shaped crop top, How to wear a crop top, Jersey Pencil Skirt, Lace Cardigan, Maternity Pencil Skirt, modcloth.com, Nina Ricci, Off shoulder cropped sweater, On sale, Pencil Sklrt, Runway, Spring 2012, Terracotta, Turtleneck, Wide Leg Pants

Nina Ricci Spring 2012

“There is one thing that Britney Spears, circa-1980s Madonna, Gwen Stefani, ‘I Dream of Jeannie,’ the Spice Girls, ‘Clueless’ and Matt Dillon in ‘Over the Edge’ have in common: a devotion to the crop top.” NY Times

We have abandoned the crop top, until now. Spring 2012 is drawing the 90s out onto the runway, and personally, I love it.

It is a brave step to wear a cropped top, but they’re also many ways to wear one that will flatter most body types. For those self-conscious about their mid section, (which i am!) can wear a crop top that extends to their high waist skirt, or wear a tank top underneath, while still keeping the essence of the cropped look.

Betsey Johnson 2012

Wearing a crop top is easy in a beach town or in a large city, but in the rural areas of the country, YOU WILL GET LOOKED AT FUNNY!

All that aside, fashion is about you. It takes confidence to wear something that bears your mid torso. Like wearing a hat, it takes time to find the right one, the right fit, and the determination to FEEL comfortable in your embrace of a new style.

ACNE Spring 2012

Classy Gal

For a larger lower abdomen  and a larger bust, go for something like the Nina Ricci (just take a look at her website- IT’S BREATHTAKING) outfit (above) : A fitted , high-waist Pencil skirt paired with a heart-shaped or V neck crop top.

This top, because of the neckline would look great on someone with a larger bust. Pair it with a cardigan for a more comfortable coverage. Because of the high waist Pencil skirt, we are not looking at too much of the mid-section. This is fun for a beach vacation or nighttime rooftop event!

Mina Little Lace Cover Up ($33)- To add over your cropped top or even just with a tank top and high waist skirt for more coverage.

Motel Ochre Doke Top ($40) Great back detail to wear alone without cardigan or with one (example above). It is a heart neckline in front and long enough to pair with a high waist skirt and cover up some belly!! Dont be afraid to mix the lace cover up with the back detail of this awesome top – We will pair it with a simple black pencil skirt (below) to balance the outfit out.

Asos Jersey Pencil Skirt ($35) Also Available in Maternity ladies!!!

Feminine Chic

For those of you who favor a girly look and have a defined collar-bone, I would lean toward the Betsey Johnson look (above.)A flattering off the shoulder crop top ( cotton sweater or jersey) and again, a high waist skirt, in this case , with a few girly ruffles, or even better some pockets.

Splendid Off Shoulder Sweater ($68)

European Culture 3/4 Length Skirt ($108) – Great color to go with the grey top (above)

Bad Ass Bod

And for the killer ab ladies (you are out there!!) go for the ACNE Studios look. Super Cropped top, high neck, and flowy skirt-like bottom. A long cardigan looks amazing as it will elongate the body and make it appropriate by not looking like JLo in “If you had my Love!”

Asos Long Sleeve Crop ($36)

MinkPink Marrakech Flare Wide Leg Pants in Terracotta (ON SALE $62!!)

cla

Don’t be afraid, just try it out. You will be surprised to see how many cropped tops find their way into a store near you, so keep an eye out and purchase. Use your existing wardrobe to beef up the wonderful top you just purchased!!!

Let me know what you think about the Crop Top Resurgence.

Spring Showers: Bring on the Wellies!!!

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2012, Betsey Johnson. Rose Rain Boots, Boots for Kids, Canada, Carrie Bradshaw, Dsquared2, Eco Friendly Boots, Fashionista, High Heel Rain boots, Hunter Boots, Kamik, On sale, One for One, Rain Boots, Roma Boots, Shoe obsession. shoe closet, Socially Concious Fashion, Spring Showers, Toms, Wellie's

Thanks to my wonderful coffee date with my absolutely fashion forward sister, I was encouraged to write about shoes appropriate for spring. Of course Spring is known for it’s gloomy rainy days, but why not take that oppurtunity to boost your mood with some wonderful Wellies!

If you are a shoe junkie like me (and Carrie Bradshaw,) you have been told by your significant other, friend, or random person that “You really have way too many pairs of shoes.” Significant others tend to want to weed through your shoe collection and throw out what may be the “most important pair.”

I have my favorites, including my really worn out Toms (my first pair of them), my Frye Campus boots, and a plethora of Havaiana Flip Flops. NO ONE shall throw them out. But this spring we will add to our shoe wardrobe with some rain friendly footwear!

Sister Find and Eco Friendly:

Kamik “Gwyneth Boot” ($53) 100% Recyclable and Budget Friendly, Comes in a Black or Red Lace Pattern – Made in Canada (not China)

Socially Conscious :

Piggybacking on the “Toms” dynasty, Roma Boots are a “One for One” company, so with every purchase they donate a pair of rain boots to poverty stricken children. If you don’t need a pair of boots you can still Donate to the cause.

Roma “Matte Brown Rain Boot” ($84)

Have a Little One? “Roma Boots for Kids Glossy” ($48)

Fun:

Dsquared2 “Blame it On the Rain” Boots ($80) Also a Canadian Company ($79 – but only in sizes 6 and 8- Hope your lucky!)

Fahsionista:

Dsquared2 “High Heel Rain Boots” ($995.00 – Not a Typo, But if you can afford it, go ahead and buy it!) Comes in Yellow, Red, and Brown. Fashion doesn’t have to be practical!

Talk of the Town:

Of Course, Hunter ‘Original Tall’ High Gloss Rain Boot‘ ($125) Comes in many colours but my favorite is in ‘Violet’

Budget Friendly Fashionista :

Hunter “Boot Buckle Mid-Calf Rain Boot” ($125) High Heel Boot option for those (like me!) who cannot afford the $1000 boots

Not for the Faint of Heart :

Betsey Johnson “Baxterr Tin Can Rose Rain Boots” (On Sale $60)

Let me know what your favorite Wellies Are!!??

Happy Shopping.