With the world's focus on improving, or more appropriately, saving the environment, designers and artists are reusing everyday products to create something new. There's no reason to waste something that you can put to good use in another way. At times, it can be a successful venture and quite useful. Others times, it becomes more eye candy than functional. Either way, the journey of making something new is always exhilarating for the designer and exciting for its audience to view. Belgium Designer, Martin Margiela, appears to have put the idea of reusing common items to the test when designing his accessory line. Who knew a can tab could be turned into something so beautiful? Margiela's Can Tab Cascade Necklace ($695) features hints of gold accents throughout for slightly sparkling effect. If his necklace is a bit too bold and you fancy a piece more subdued, check out the Can Tab Ring ($135) which features an oversize can tab at the center. See below for more fashionable innovations by Martin Margiela.
As beautiful and comfortable as shirt dresses are, at times they can be too casual and subdued lacking a powerful presence within a classic style. Leave it the the designers of Emilio Pucci to take a simple silhouette and combine their colorful signature print to create an unmistakably striking and versatile dress. Pucci's Orchidea Shirt Dress is made of cotton with a stretch satin weave and features slanted side pockets and rolled cuffs for a casual feel, while its belted waist accentuates a woman's curves and creates a dressier aura. Whether you wear it with stilettos or flats, the Orchidea Shirt Dress will make you stand out from the rest. Price: $1535.
Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, and Christian Louboutin - these are just a few of the legendary design houses that are able to make a woman's feet the sexist part of the body. You may just want to add British shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood to that list. Kirkwood's artistic ability to create sculptures of art has enabled him to work with the likes of Phillip Lim and Belstaff for their Spring 2008 Collection. And although he has collaborated with many, his own collection is nothing to shy away from. Kirkwood's collection combines a sense of fashion forward edginess with a sexy majestic quality. Featured here are his silver metallic lizard slingbacks accented with a mirrored butterfly wing detail, open toe, and 3 1/2" heels. Price: $545.
Gallery: Shoe Designer Extraordinaire: Nicholas Kirkwood
This summer, white eyelet dresses, skirts and tops will be seen everywhere. And why not? It's the perfect summer attire – clean, light, airy and comfortable. It allows you to be casual without looking completely underdressed and totally prepared for whatever a summer day may bring – a pool party, spur of the moment barbeque, a picnic. The possibilities are endless. Featured here is Shoshanna's Eyelet Dress in a punchy apricot color that just evokes the idea of a fashionable & fun summer. The cotton mini dress is beautifully adorned with circle eyelets throughout with a u-shaped neck and ruffle trim at the cuff for an unexpected touch. For some stylish and colorful alternatives to white eyelet clothing take a look at the choices below.
The traditional business/laptop satchel gets a modern and stylish upgrade with the Sienna Bag by Deere Colhoun. Since launching in Spring 2007, designer Lindsey Colhoun, the artistic head and creator of Deere Colhoun, has made quite the impression on fashionable actresses. It never hurts to have high profile actresses like Rachel Bilson and Kate Hudson photographed while wearing your line to solidify your place in being the next big thing. And with just a year of being in business, we can see from her collection that Deere Colhoun is here to stay. Couloun's line of super soft lambskin bags are minimal in design yet rate high in style and functionality. The Sienna Bag has an interior and double exterior pockets to keep things organized, while silver hardware serves as subtle and complimenting accents against grey leather. The Sienna Bag is versatile and can easily be worn for work, travel or as your everyday bag. Dimensions: 12"W x 9"H x 3.5"D. Available in black, plum and camel. And in addition, a large size (16"W x 13"H x 4.5"H) in snakeskin brown, black, camel and plum. Price: $590.
Sometimes going bold with your jewelry doesn't necessarily mean wearing multiple bracelets upon one another, dazzling earrings, a cocktail ring and a necklace all at once. That might be going a bit overboard. Sometimes bold means getting one piece of jewelry that is captivating without overpowering your outfit. A fine balance that at times can be hard to achieve. Featured below are pendants that make a statement whether worn for everyday use or a special occasion. From colorful and muted gems to wooden accents, there is a piece to fit your personal style. To the right is Erica Molinari's Multicolord Pendant. Made from a mix of colorful sapphire briolettes, it has a playful yet elegant appeal. Price: $6,250.
Whether worn by a man or woman, motorcycle jackets just ooze with a coolness and sexiness that is unmatchable. Besides a men's button-down shirt, I can't think of any other item that could be worn by both genders and still look so sexy. And although the season may have passed to wear this Motorcycle Sweater Jacket by 3.1 Phillip Lim, if there is at least one extra cool evening, I am wearing this jacket. Made of 100% cashmere, Lim's Sweater Jacket can easily be paired with a Spring dress, keeping you warm and cozy, all the while looking very chic. It features golden zippers & buttons, plenty of front pockets, and buttoned shoulder epaulets for a cutting edge yet sophisticated look. Price $585.
Some may say that the "IT Bag" phase is gone, but I think Marc Jacobs and Richard Prince may disagree with that sentiment. The Fashion Shows are over, yet I still can't help to be completely taken by Richard Prince's colorful and expressive interpretation of Louis Vuitton's Spring 2008 Handbag Line. With a rainbow of colors, snakeskin accents, LG logo silk screened on canvas, ultra feminine frame purses, and oversized totes each bag feels like a piece of art perfectly transformed into a handbag. I haven't always been impressed with the collaborations in the past but it seems that ever since Takahashi Murakami has entered the accessories world, my loyalty to LV has only strengthened. Learn more about Richard Prince and his art work here and here.
Handbag lovers know that it doesn't get any more luxurious and chic than exotic skins. There is a certain quality, natural texture and unique beauty that one finds in exotic leathers. Elison Pickett and Chad Ypon, the husband and wife design team of The Divine Tribe, are able to capture this natural beauty while manipulating skins from eels, ostriches, lamb and stingrays, to create a line of handbags that are truly one of a kind. Ranging in price of $200 to $1600, each wallet, clutch, tote and shoulder bag are handcrafted and fashionably styled to go above and beyond trends. Featured here is the Bulsa Bag. Made from eel and ostrich with hand stitched detail, hidden magnetic closure and multiple interior and exterior pockets, The Divine Tribe shows us how form, function and high fashion is one amazing combination. Dimensions: 16" x 10" x 3". Price: $715 and $915.
Simplicity can go a long way. Especially when it can exude a classic and timeless style that will hold its own regardless of the trends. The Cameron Tote by Kooba accomplishes just that. With a muted color, metallic shimmer, brushed gold metal hardware and inverted pleats, there are little over-the-top embellishments but this only adds to its appeal and ease of use. It could easily be paired with an everyday outfit, work or an evening out. The interior is lined wit canvas and features multiple pockets. Dimensions: 10.5" at the base x 12" x 8". Price: $625.
It's a great time to be pregnant. Maternity clothes are not only fashionable but run the gamut in price. There are affordable lines like Liz Lange Maternity at Target or you could spend a little extra with the London based company Home Mummy. Either way, it all just entices me to be pregnant just to wear the clothes. And the baby bags by Dane Beatrix evoke the same feeling. The creators behind Dante Beatrix, Dante Pauwels & Claire Theobald, have created a line of baby bags that don't look like your typical baby bag. Going beyond Sesame Street and Peter Rabbit all over prints, each bag is minimally designed yet creative and fashionable enough to compliment your daily and work attire. From the subtly quirky Stroller and Haul Totes ($110 & $175) to the ultra sleek Baby Beatrix Totes and Pouf Bags ($175 & $220), each one can fit your personal style all the while maintaining its functionality.
The 80's are back in more ways than you can imagine. Not only have we seen a resurgence in 80's inspired clothing and TV shows - Bionic Woman & Knight Rider for example – but now the 80's star, Rainbow Brite, is coming out with her own line of shoes. That's right folks. Rainbow Brite shoes. And you've heard it here first. Alright, so Rainbow Brite hasn't actually designed any shoes - especially since she is a fictional cartoon character - but if she did design shoes, I have a funny feeling that these would be part of her line. And although I poke fun, I would also wear every single pair featured.
If you are a clothing and accessory addict, them most likely when you were a little kid, you loved to play dress up in your mom's closet. Personally, I distinctly remember a pair of my mother's brown slouchy leather boots and oversized sunglasses that I loved. Oh, how I wish I still had them today. Jill Albert's Ribbon Ring featured here, is so reminiscent of those times - when you played dress up and searched for something that wasn't necessarily beautiful or ugly, but was eye catching and would make a powerful statement for your outfit. Albert's Ribbon Ring is made of gold with tiny turquoise stones scattered throughout. This vintage ring is one that you would certainly find in your mom's closet, or perhaps in your grandmother's closet, and keep until you were of age to carry it off properly with style and sophistication. Price $340.
The snow has melted and with boots and winter coats now on sale, this creates an opportunity for stores to make you feel as though Spring is right around the corner. Unfortunately, the weather is far from typical for this time of year - especially on the east coast of the US, where one day it's 30 degrees and the very next day it is 60 degrees. Go figure. Ultimately, there is no telling what corner Spring will make its appearance, but regardless of when warm weather and cool breezes actually arrive, there is no time like the present to start shopping for floral dresses that exude a balance of femininity and sexiness all the while being fashion forward yet wearable for multiple occasions.
For the most part, I would venture to say that wooden accessories do not immediately conjure up images of high fashion or thoughts of luxuriousness. When I think of wood, I think of trees and the earth – not high-end and ultra fashionable accessories. But skilled fashion designers have an astounding ability to create an item out of materials that others may quickly pass as being unworkable or impractical to create something extraordinary. Is it the challenge that comes with manipulating a material that others may view as difficult or too simple, that allows designers to push beyond the realms of their own creativity? Perhaps. Whatever the case may be, I appreciate what some designers are able to produce out of wood. Featured here is Port 1961's Wooden Clutch by designer Tia Cibani whose extensive world travels and appreciation of cultures and art are visibly seen in her line. Made of American Black Walnut, the super smooth, shapely and minimalist clutch allows the wood grain and color to take center stage. Dimensions: 11" x 6". Price: $630 See below for other notable designers who have created works of wearable art with wood.
With the world's focus on improving, or more appropriately, saving the environment, designers and artists are reusing everyday products to create something new. There's no reason to waste something that you can put to good use in another way. At times, it can be a successful venture and quite useful. Others times, it becomes more eye candy than functional. Either way, the journey of making something new is always exhilarating for the designer and exciting for its audience to view. Belgium Designer, Martin Margiela, appears to have put the idea of reusing common items to the test when designing his accessory line. Who knew a can tab could be turned into something so beautiful? Margiela's Can Tab Cascade Necklace ($695) features hints of gold accents throughout for slightly sparkling effect. If his necklace is a bit too bold and you fancy a piece more subdued, check out the Can Tab Ring ($135) which features an oversize can tab at the center. See below for more fashionable innovations by Martin Margiela. 
Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, and Christian Louboutin - these are just a few of the legendary design houses that are able to make a woman's feet the sexist part of the body. You may just want to add British shoe designer 
This summer, white eyelet dresses, skirts and tops will be seen everywhere. And why not? It's the perfect summer attire – clean, light, airy and comfortable. It allows you to be casual without looking completely underdressed and totally prepared for whatever a summer day may bring – a pool party, spur of the moment barbeque, a picnic. The possibilities are endless. Featured here is Shoshanna's Eyelet Dress in a punchy apricot color that just evokes the idea of a fashionable & fun summer. The cotton mini dress is beautifully adorned with circle eyelets throughout with a u-shaped neck and ruffle trim at the cuff for an unexpected touch. For some stylish and colorful alternatives to white eyelet clothing take a look at the choices below. 
Handbag lovers know that it doesn't get any more luxurious and chic than exotic skins. There is a certain quality, natural texture and unique beauty that one finds in exotic leathers. Elison Pickett and Chad Ypon, the husband and wife design team of The Divine Tribe, are able to capture this natural beauty while manipulating skins from eels, ostriches, lamb and stingrays, to create a line of handbags that are truly one of a kind. Ranging in price of $200 to $1600, each wallet, clutch, tote and shoulder bag are handcrafted and fashionably styled to go above and beyond trends. Featured here is the 
Simplicity can go a long way. Especially when it can exude a classic and timeless style that will hold its own regardless of the trends. The Cameron Tote by Kooba accomplishes just that. With a muted color, metallic shimmer, brushed gold metal hardware and inverted pleats, there are little over-the-top embellishments but this only adds to its appeal and ease of use. It could easily be paired with an everyday outfit, work or an evening out. The interior is lined wit canvas and features multiple pockets. Dimensions: 10.5" at the base x 12" x 8". 
It's a great time to be pregnant. Maternity clothes are not only fashionable but run the gamut in price. There are affordable lines like 
The 80's are back in more ways than you can imagine. Not only have we seen a resurgence in 80's inspired clothing and TV shows - Bionic Woman & Knight Rider for example – but now the 80's star, 
If you are a clothing and accessory addict, them most likely when you were a little kid, you loved to play dress up in your mom's closet. Personally, I distinctly remember a pair of my mother's brown slouchy leather boots and oversized sunglasses that I loved. Oh, how I wish I still had them today. Jill Albert's Ribbon Ring featured here, is so reminiscent of those times - when you played dress up and searched for something that wasn't necessarily beautiful or ugly, but was eye catching and would make a powerful statement for your outfit. Albert's Ribbon Ring is made of gold with tiny turquoise stones scattered throughout. This vintage ring is one that you would certainly find in your mom's closet, or perhaps in your grandmother's closet, and keep until you were of age to carry it off properly with style and sophistication. 
The snow has melted and with boots and winter coats now on sale, this creates an opportunity for stores to make you feel as though Spring is right around the corner. Unfortunately, the weather is far from typical for this time of year - especially on the east coast of the US, where one day it's 30 degrees and the very next day it is 60 degrees. Go figure. Ultimately, there is no telling what corner Spring will make its appearance, but regardless of when warm weather and cool breezes actually arrive, there is no time like the present to start shopping for floral dresses that exude a balance of femininity and sexiness all the while being fashion forward yet wearable for multiple occasions. 
For the most part, I would venture to say that wooden accessories do not immediately conjure up images of high fashion or thoughts of luxuriousness. When I think of wood, I think of trees and the earth – not high-end and ultra fashionable accessories. But skilled fashion designers have an astounding ability to create an item out of materials that others may quickly pass as being unworkable or impractical to create something extraordinary. Is it the challenge that comes with manipulating a material that others may view as difficult or too simple, that allows designers to push beyond the realms of their own creativity? Perhaps. Whatever the case may be, I appreciate what some designers are able to produce out of wood. Featured here is Port 1961's Wooden Clutch by designer Tia Cibani whose extensive world travels and appreciation of cultures and art are visibly seen in her line. Made of American Black Walnut, the super smooth, shapely and minimalist clutch allows the wood grain and color to take center stage. Dimensions: 11" x 6". 
