Web Snob July 15, 2011

Second City Style thinks limitations can lead to fabulous ensembles and offers options in Wedding Style. What To Wear When You’re A Guest.Fashion Pulse Daily finds Jill Stuart’s Fall 2011 collection to be a rare treat in color blocking, mixed metals, and animal prints.Hats are everywhere at the moment, and Couture Snob couldn’t be happier. We can’t decide which Eugenia Kim we like better!KRISTOPHER DUKES is seeing Ralph Lauren’s car collection at the Louvre.Whether you have a girly-girl or tomboy – Stella has got you covered. Her military and ruffle dresses at Tot Snob are equally chic, but with very different takes on being a girl.Shopping and Info loves the sexy Jimmy Choo crystal suede pumps for summer parties.Inspired by the intricate patterns found in Morocco, Paloma, at Jewel Snob, gives us the Marrakesh collection – a bangle, ring, and dome pendant (among other lovelies) that exude mystery in their exotic patterns.StyleBakery shows us some chic ways to wear summer’s new crop top.Beauty Snob has discovered that Natura Bissé’s eye makeup remover works just as well our old stand-by, but without the oil-slick aftermath – because it’s oil-free!Stylehive is diggin’ Rihanna’s island sound and style in her latest single, ‘Man Down’If you’re looking for comfort and style, take a look at this Jimmy Choo “Folly” wedge sandal!FabSugar has 6 Hot Australian Designers to Know!Ah, the thrill of the new! The arrival of the fall season and along with it, the promise of fabulous shoes. Where to begin? With a pair of marvelous platform dancing shoes, of course, like these YSL slingbacks at Shoe Snob!

Vanessa Bruno Suede Shoulder Bag: Wear to Love, Love to Wear

Vanessa Bruno – think of her as Isabel Marant’s cousin in the family of Parisian über-cool – has just whipped up a thoroughly mint bag. Meet the new look: the hobo-tote hybrid (the hobote?!). Her suede shoulder bag boasts all the conveniences of both with the lure of freshness. Slick with some structure at the frame, then relaxed with a bit of slouch through the midsection. The key is the shoulder-strap placement: it is placed so the satchel holds its shape and doesn’t collapse on itself when you put in on your shoulder.But it’s the tab closure that’s the focal point. Oversized and easy to deal with, it gives you the carefree option of leaving it open without flapping in your way. I love the terra-cotta color, but suede will always worry me. “New” can turn “old” in a heartbeat. Suede seems like a good idea until you’ve had it for a while and then you notice it has started to bald and fray. This new bag is such a great fall piece – just be extra-nice to it so it doesn’t get ruined! On Net-a-Porter for $650.Pair with: A pair of Marant‘s quintessential “Dicker” boots, a Western style that shows no sign of slowing down, and you’ve doubled up on soft suede and French hip. At Barneys New York for $560.

Alexander McQueen Leopard Pony Clutches: Hop on the Pony Express

How could such obvious, undeniable, eternal clutch perfection only be occurring now? Not that I’m complaining; I’m just thrilled that these Alexander McQueen bags are finally here. Animal print is sophisticated no matter how you look at it and pony hair is a tactile delight any day of the year. Put them together, imbue some famous McQueen edge, and I’m simply beaming.Leopard-print pony is candy to my eyes, and black-and-white peppered pony is even more neutral and appealing. Take your pick: The classic box clutch ($1,450) with Swarovski-detailed skull closure, quintessential McQueen. The knuckle-boxer ($2,095) with delightfully wicked jewels, a cutting-edge style that I will not tire of – rings attached to my clutch? Yes, please! The wildly angled “De-Manta” style ($525), with a refined-feral pattern as singular as the shape – I think we have a winner. These clutches could not be more spot on if they tried.

Anya Hindmarch Nevis Raw Leather Tote Bag: Nice Easy

Reworked into a more relaxed shape, the already ultra-functional “Nevis” tote has been taken a step beyond. I used the original nylon “Nevis” as a diaper bag and passed it down to my sister who loved it as much as I did. But in no way is Anya Hindmarch‘s raw leather uprade, with a higher level of tailoring and more streamlined straps, any diaper bag in disguise.This organic-esque tote, with extra-large outer pockets (the old “Nevis” has patch pockets on the front and back, giving it a utilitarian diaper-bag look) is a sleek and elegant carryall. The thick, flat straps (also new and I wish the older version had them) are comfy on the shoulder, and they also add to the purified look. This is slouchy luxury – the way it opens up extra-wide, along with the simplicity of the handles – that looks all-natural, via the hide-like leather and raw-cut pockets. A no-brainer bag for the busy girl on the go. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $895.Pair with: Give off low-maintenance vibes with a deliberately baggy striped tee. Bassike‘s semi-sheer organic cotton top hangs with the same ease with which you’ll carry your tote. On Net-a-Porter for $195.

Gucci “Broadway” Evening Bag: Virtually Mine

Suddenly, making a purchase based on a website photo seems so passé! Gucci is taking the virtual experience up a notch, with their sensuous new video. I tested out the interactive video – part editorial in motion, part ad, part clickable catalog – for you all, and I’m happy to report: it works great! Shopping via video is the next best thing to being at the boutique. When you have It-girls Abbey Lee Kershaw and Joan Smalls slinking around to show off the goods, I’m pretty much sold.In truth, it’s very helpful to see all the angles of the product before committing to purchase. Like with the studded “Broadway” clutch, a harder take on the classic horse-bit. in Abbey Lee’s hands you get to see what how truly elongated the rectangle-shape is, and the close-up on the lush leather shows off its high quality. Even if you don’t need all the bells and whistles of a dramatic video, at the very least it’s entertaining – and you might pick up a few styling ideas while you choose your new bag.Check out video here. At Gucci for $950.

Rachel Roy Japan Tote: Rachel Knows What Really in Fashion

“Kindness is Always Fashionable” – a noteworthy phrase that takes on extra-special meaning when used to profit such a deeply meaningful cause. Rachel Roy has turned her talent and big heart to aid the victims of the March 11th earthquake and tsunami in Japan. She has designed a fabulous tote bag emblazoned with this powerful slogan under the equally meaningful symbol of Japan’s flag. And on the back is Rachel’s signature with a daintily drawn red heart, signifying love for Japan. All the profits – yes, that’s 100%! -for sales of this $25 tote will go to Global Giving to provide immediate and long-term aid for the thousands of needy victims in Japan.This limited edition tote is great as an option for a reusable grocery bag, or for hauling around pool and beach gear. The black straps against the beige background make the red disc (Japan’s representation of the sun) just snap! It’s practical earthy-chic and sure sends a significant message – the fact that there’s nothing more fashionable than kindness is something we all need to be reminded of every now and again. Rachel is admirable, the bag is terrific, and the cause couldn’t be more deserving. Let’s all get one! At Rachel Roy for $25.

Snob Worthy Links July 19, 2011

This luscious Bobbi Brown face lotion at Beauty Snob is not only a great make-up base providing smooth and even application, but it also protects the face from potentially harmful elements.Miami Swim Week Gets Hot With Powerful Prints and Sexy One-Pieces at FabSugar.Marco Bicego at Jewel Snob gives us a treasure chest’s worth of dazzling stones with his 18-karat yellow collection.Advice for Shopaholics at The Budget Fashionista.NuNAAT Karite Shea Butter: A Treat For Mom’s Hair at TheFind.This brilliantly designed infant tub at Tot Snob utilizes running water to produce a constant fresh flow as the dirty water is simultaneously drained, so your baby is always bathing in clean water.Red Carpet Fashion Awards has Mila Kunis In Lanvin – “Friends With Benefits” New York Premiere.There are only a few things in this world to make Couture Snob look forward to chilly weather: new boots, hats, and the perfect chubby fur jacket!She Bangs: Splitting Hairs with Ryan Nickulas at The Fashion Spot.Like a serpentine creature out of the sea, these 5″ platform pumps at Shoe Snob are hybrid of serious pizzazz and wearable ornateness.