Booty Call! The Best Ankle Boots From Chanel, Hermes And More
“Dear Isa,
I’m totally smitten with ankle boots! I see them a lot now and would love some tips on how to wear them.
Thanks!
Thea”
Dear T,
I love them too! Ankle boots are wildly popular right now, and they’ll become even more so when spring arrives. The most important thing to remember is that they are best suited to a leggy look, like skinny jeans, short skirts, shorts or leggings. What you want to avoid are long flowing dresses or skirts. Trust me, it just doesn’t look right!
If you have shapely calves you’ll want to steer clear of shorter tights and cropped leggings. The combination can make you seem shorter and add bulk to your legs.
One great way to wear ankle boots is with a knee-length skirt or dress, with an eye-catching belt to accentuate your waist. I think that look will work for anyone, but for shorter gals I have a few tips – ankle boots can make you look even shorter, but not to worry! You can still make it work. Be sure your boots have a V-shaped vamp and a heel length of 3″ or more. Peep toes and pointed toes are also safe bets. They will look best with tights or skinny jeans tucked into the boot.
I’m thinking of a few beautiful pairs of designer boots I hope you’ll like. Have you seen these Christian Louboutin black platform booties? They use a joined strip technique to create the amazing layered look that you see. The zipper runs up the side and of course the trademark CL red strip looks great on the heel.
Chanel’s black quilted leather has never looked so good! I actually love these for winter, so long as there’s not too much snow on the ground. Patent white leather makes up the tips and the Chanel insignia, providing a really simple and beautiful contrast.
These black suede designer boots from Hermes have a gorgeous turned-down brown leather trim and a buckled strap to match. And I love the big platform heels! They would go well with autumn colors or any darker tones.
The last ones I want to show you have some serious flare! These grey fabric peep toe wedge boots from Zanotti have a highly unique zig-zag pattern! These flashy boots really steal the show, and are definitely for the young at heart. They will add considerable height (and considerable glamour) to your look.
If you have a favorite pair of ankle boots that I’ve overlooked, tell me about them! And if you’re looking for any of the boots we’ve looked at today, you can find them here.
Xo,
Isa
The Art Of Giving: How To Pick Designer Replica Handbags For Others
“Dear Isa,
I’m so glad I found your blog! My little sister is turning 25, and I know she loves designer replica handbags. So I know what to get her (bags), but I have no idea which ones. She knows everything about them and I hardly know anything, so I’m really worried I’ll pick something embarrassing or out of style. What should I do?
Caitie”
Dear C,
It is hard to pick out bags for others, especially when you don’t really know what they’re into. Frankly, I prefer it when people just tell me exactly what they want! Fortunately for you, while trends may come and go, classic bags never go out of style. That makes them the safe bet when it comes to giving bags.
You’ll probably recognize a few of my suggestions, even if you aren’t a bag aficionado. They are classic after all! Let’s start with the Chanel classic black flap bag with gold chain. These bags are famous for their stunning quilted leather and the stunning contrast of black and gold. You need to look closely to spot the clasp – it’s tucked in between the two ‘C’s in the Chanel insignia.
The same leather and the clasp appear here in this Chanel quilted leather tote with a small flap. Big round cowhide handles, dangling CC charms and a linked gold chain make this a bag anyone would love to receive. Believe it or not, my sister owns this bag! She loves it.
If your sis is a little bit more of a colorful character, let me suggest this large Gucci Soho Hobo bag in red. The interlocking ‘G’ symbol is Gucci’s answer to the Chanel ‘CC’ insignia, and I think it looks amazing. But the best thing about this bag has to be its amazing shape. The bag curls up at either end to do the work of the strap. This makes the bag much roomier that it appears, and I think it’s just plain cool!
Some classic designer replica handbags almost look as if they’re from the future! This crossbody pouchette from Marc Jacobs is one your young sister will love. The dark trim does wonders for the off-white leather, but for me, the best part is what’s inside. Check out the pictures at PV to see for yourself – it looks like alphabet soup!
Okay, last one, and it’s a goodie. This Prada tote is so beautiful; I guarantee your sister would be blown away. It has top handles and a shoulder strap, but really it’s the bag’s contours that set it apart. The two front zippered pockets create the unique lines that made this bag world-famous. I think this one is the best of the bunch.
If you give one of these bags, you’ll get all the little extras too, including a care book, authenticity card, box and dust jacket, which makes it so much better than just handing someone a bag. You can find all these bags here and more. Let me know what you get her, and how she likes it. Thanks for writing!
Xo,
Isa
Etro Printed Leather Handbag
Do you ever wear head to toe black and use your accessories to add the punch of color to make your look complete? Me too, and this Etro handbag is the first thing I would pull off my shelf for that ensemble. It adds the eye-catching color while pulling together your look. Skinny leather pants or black denim and a little black top, this bag and cherry red pumps…that’s an amazing outfit.
Printed leather shoulder with gold tone hardware, this designer handbag has a black leather top handle and a removable shoulder strap. It has a concealed hook closure and inside is a single zippered pocket and two multi use pockets. $1,536 Etro bag is here
Alexander McQueen Crochet Knuckle Duster Clutch
I never tire of the new versions of the Alexander McQueen knuckle duster clutch. It’s just the coolest damn bag I have ever seen. This crochet design is versatile and would look great with most evening attire, a good thing sense the clutch bags can be a pricey, yet underused investment. However, although it’s not something your going to carry daily, every girl needs a great clutch – a lesson I was reminded of last weekend. I had a formal event and I carried a small, solid black Louis Vuitton clutch, a very nice, yet boring bag. Sitting at the table over were two ladies, one with an amazing Judith Leiber and the other with a beautiful Fendi baguette. Needless to say, I then realized I need a clutch with a little more pizzazz – something like this McQueen knuckle duster.
Beige colored leather with an overlay of white crochet lace and gold tone hardware, this designer handbag has the signature Alexander McQueen skull knuckle duster. It has a push lock closure and interior lining. Despite being a clutch, this bag is large enough to hold a cell phone, credit card, keys and lipstick. Alexander McQueen handbags are made in Italy. $3,145 McQueen clutch is here
Gucci Handbags Fall 2012
It’s back to sleek sophistication for Gucci handbags next Fall 2012. Gone are the colorful brights we’ve seen in the last year and a half, and in it’s place are regal, dark beauties complete with Frida Ginnani’s dramatic touch. “Let’s go back to black,” she is saying. I have always been a big fan of “black on black on black,” and that’s what we get with the Gucci handbag collection next Fall.
The beautiful bags were designed in tinted velvets (ebony was imbued with hints of midnight green and shimmering bronze), mink-inlaid chiffon, shiny crocodile, semi-distressed leathers, and three-dimensional brocades. As usual, Frida has maintained an attention to detail that is almost unparalleled and ensures the Gucci fashion house remain in the top tier. These luxurious Fall 2012 bags are timeless and will outlast any trend, making them a must have for both the seasonal Gucci shopper and someone looking for an investment piece.
Rock On! Going Punk With Designer Purses, Jewelry And Shoes
“Dear Isa,
What’s up with punk? I’m always very curious about this style, but I always chicken out when I think about trying it. I don’t want to be a full on punk rocker, I just want to add a few elements to my current style to spice things up a bit, you know? Look forward to hearing from you!
Francesca”
Dear F,
Anyone can add a bit of punk flare to their style! Punk has been around since the 70′s, and we saw it make a big splash in haute couture back in 2010. Nowadays we see emerging styles borrow heavily from the punk look, such as last year’s motorcycle chic, but we don’t often see girls dress head to toe in the punk style. Well, except real punks, but I’ll assume you’re not changing your whole lifestyle to match your new look!
Punk is all about celebrating independence and embracing a rebellious attitude. It often plays off of a do-it-yourself theme that can include accessories such as visible safety pins, home made patches and studs. Skinny jeans are perfect, and a few well placed rips can go a long way towards completing the look. The same goes for leggings. Heavy combat boots or Doc Martins are punk staples, but I’m also going to show you how you can incorporate some of your favorite designer shoes and boots into this style. But let’s first take a look at some punky designer purses, shall we?
This small Gucci Babouska Boston bag in black has tons of punk power and a bit of gypsy charm thrown in for good measure. Huge brass studs are everywhere, and I just love the black tassels. Its shape and the rounded cowhide handles make me think this is Gucci’s answer to the Speedy.
The Alexander Wang double zip compartment bag in blue is pretty conservative, but features one fabulous punk twist – check out the white metal studs on the strap! Sometimes just having one subtle, rebellious element can be the most effective way to get your style across.
The last bag I want to show you is this amazing YSL large Easy, with its amazing studded ‘Y’. The rest of the bag is kept very simple and modest to allow the studded pattern to steal the show. It’s got tons of room and is great for traveling.
Now for shoes! Punk shoes and boots generally opt for black leather, but you’ll often see hot pink or red trim. High heels, block heels, creepers and flats are all well represented, but they all need something to match in your outfit if they’re going to work. Wearing these sorts of shoes with a plain-Jane outfit will not look good – it’s all about context!
I haven’t brought up spikes yet, but they are in the punk hall of fame! These Christian Louboutin black booties are all about their white metal spikes and silver glitter. Trust me, no one will mess with you when you’re wearing these!
Chanel can be punk too! Just take a look at these wedge heel booties with their amazing link chain bordered soles – they’re a sexy alternative to Doc Martins.
The last thing we need to look at is jewelry – silver and black leather are what it’s all about, and we know that no one does silver better than Tiffany! The silver mesh bracelet hints at the spiked bracelets famous in punk culture, but is much more elegant and much more versatile. I have one of these and I love it!
Also from Tiffany is this black bead and silver bracelet, a subtler but very effective way to go punk. Black and silver is the perfect way to compliment a studded leather jacket or purse.
New York is the true home of the punk movement, and you can show the Big Apple a little love with this amazing engraved silver bracelet! Its open design makes it so easy to wear, and it’s very thin and light for comfort.
Hopefully this will get you started on bringing a little punk into your style! You can pick up any of the stuff I’ve showed you here. Remember that’s it’s all about attitude! That’s the most important thing to make this look work for you. Good luck!
Xo,
Isa
Go Glam Rock Chic With Studded Designer Purses & Shoes
“Dear Isa,
I know there are a ton of retro looks coming back into style these days, but my personal favorite is the glam rock look. I love David Bowie’s early stuff (especially his clothes!), and I’m looking to incorporate some of his style into my look – minus the face paint. Can you help me put together some outfits that are bold and fun, without overdoing it? What I really need are boots, shoes and designer purses.
Thanks!
Patricia”
Dear P,
I was hoping someone would write me about this style! It’s one of my absolute favorites, and I have a ton of suggestions to help you pull it off. This style crosses over with the ‘punk’ look, which also emerged out of the UK around the same time, so when it comes to accessories, think studs and black leather. Let’s get right to it – this is going to be fun!
Why don’t we start from the bottom up? I mentioned studs and black leather, and that’s what these platform booties from Christian Louboutin are all about! They add a few inches of height and have a sexy pointed heel that is totally rock & roll.
And if that’s not enough studs for you, check out these peep toe platform pumps. To complete the look, paint your toe nails black!
Nobody does black boots quite like Chanel, and these knee-highs show you why. And as if black knee-high leather boots weren’t bad-ass enough, they have a metal chain accent at the sole!
The other knee-highs I want to show you are a little shorter and have more of a ‘cowgirl’ look about them. The best part is that they are half traditional leather and half quilted leather! Trust me; these are boots that get noticed. And the piece you must have in order to complete your look, is a leather jacket.
Vinyl was a huge part of the glam look, and I find you can use patent leather to get the same effect as vinyl in terms of sheen and texture. This Chanel quilted tote is a great example and it boasts some sweet white metal chains and charms to boot. Picture it with the first boots we looked at.
Lastly, if you like your designer purses a little roomier, the Gucci Babouska is just dreamy. This bag uses gold trim, which is gorgeous, but I wouldn’t recommend combining it with anything with silver studs, like those Christian Louboutins I showed you.
You can get any of this stuff here if you’re interested. I’m sure some of my readers have their own ways of ‘rockin’ the rocker look, and I’d love to hear about them!
A Tale Of Two Dresses: Accessorizing With Chanel To Define Your Look
“Dear Isa,
I just got two new dresses and I had to write you about them! They are very different – like night and day. I’m so excited to wear them, but before I do I would really love some advice about how to accessorize with them. What do you think? Any advice you can give me would be a huge help.
Thank you!!
Yolanda”
You have great style! I love these dresses – you’re right in that they couldn’t be more different from one another. You should be ready to look great for almost any occasion.
Some creative accessories, designer purses and the right shoes will really help you get more mileage out of these lovely dresses, and I’ve definitely got some ideas. Let’s start with your black dress, shall we?
I think it’s a pretty serious and sexy dress that can be worn to parties or formal functions. Because it’s a simple monotone dress there are endless possibilities for accessories and shoes. Consider this lovely pearl and black bead necklace from Chanel. Gold chains are an amazing match for a black dress, and I love how the beads alternate black and white, large and small.
And if you want the perfect earrings to match that necklace, I know just the thing. Two things actually! The first are these gold hoop earrings that feature dangling pearls and a CC insignia in black enamel hanging from a gold chain. The other pair you might like is this gold rose cutwork earrings with white enamel CC logos. So pretty!
This bracelet has a similar aesthetic to the first two, but I think it would be too much to wear them all together. I think you could match the earrings with either the necklace or the bracelet, which also features the enamel CC and black and white pearls on a delicate chain.
Don’t worry, I didn’t forget about shoes! I’m a sucker for Christian Louboutin, and I just adore these pointy toed pumps in black patent leather! Those heels will add a couple of inches, and they feature a little flash of red that I think is a lovely touch.
And now on to your second dress. This one is a little more vibrant and playful, and needs lighter tones and simple styles to accentuate it. Something like this pair of Gucci gold medallion and patent buckle earrings would be ideal. They hang from beautiful golden ‘S’ hooks, and would be a perfect match.
I don’t often recommend watches for women, but the moment I saw this dress it made me think of this Bvlgari watch. It’s plated gold with studded diamonds on either side of the dial, and has a butterfly clasp at the back.
And for shoes? You guessed it – Christian Louboutin! These peep toe platform pumps are just incredible, and just right for spring and summer. For bonus style points, paint your toes to match!
You can find all the items I’ve shown you here – please let me know how you choose to wear these lovely items, and send some pictures!
Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci Replica Wallets Are A Girl’s Best Friend!
Women know that a great wallet is more than just an accessory – it’s your trusty companion! Think about it, you count on your wallet to protect your money, cards and most important documents, and as if that wasn’t enough, we expect them to keep us looking fabulous too! That’s what makes designer wallets so desirable – they show our trusty companions the respect they deserve.
A great wallet can complete the perfect outfit at any occasion, and provide the perfect match for some of your favorite bags and shoes. Most importantly, they can help you express your true personality everywhere you go.
Today I want to take a look at some beautiful wallets that perfectly combine style and function. Maybe you’ll spot your next trusty companion!
The Chanel White-Snake Checkbook Wallet
The name is a little deceiving since the snakeskin is only found in the lovely CC insignia, while the wallet itself is made of Chanel’s signature white quilted leather. The beautiful orange interior is just as elegant and features four interior sections, including a zippered compartment, card slots, and a transparent display for your ID. That way if you get carded at the club, you’ll have a chance to show off your beautiful wallet! More pictures here.
The Chanel Quilted Leather Zipped Black Wallet
Featuring a different take on their traditional quilted leather, this gorgeous wallet features patent leather to give it more luster. It also has a more condensed pattern with lines that run horizontally and vertically. I would consider this a ‘power’ wallet- an unbeatable match for a lady in black. You can buy it here.
The Gucci Continental Fabric Wallet in Brown with Web Detail
Gucci proves they can keep up with Chanel’s elegance with this lovely wallet. Trimmed in double-stitched brown leather, this smart accessory is wonderfully understated while still managing to add a little flair with Gucci’s iconic red and green stripes. This Gucci wallet here, opens completely to reveal three sections with unique pockets and slots for cards, and closes back up with a simple brass button
The Gucci Continental Checkbook Wallet In Beige with Bow
This one is similar to the Continental fabric wallet but features the Gucci monogram canvas and a delightful red and green bow that is just to die for! The bow features golden trim, and if you look closely you’ll see that at one end it is delicately engraved with the Gucci name in cursive.
The Louis Vuitton White Murakami Sarah Noeud Wallet
In case you thought I was going to snub Louis Vuitton in this list, think again! This one is my personal favorite, so I saved it for last. It’s playful and inventive – I think it would just suit me perfectly! The colorful canvas really breathes new life into the traditional monogram, and the beige leather bow is the perfect centerpiece. More pictures here. But my favorite part might be the lining. You get a little glimpse at the edges, but when you open it up its pink perfection! This one is definitely on my wish list.
If you don’t see your favorite wallet on this list, write me and tell me about it – and send pictures!
Xo,
Isa
Azzurra Gronchi Lace Clutch
I’m not the kind of person that wears a lot of brightly colored clothing. Every once in a while I’ll wear colored jeans or shorts and maybe sport a red blouse from time to time, but in general, I add color into my wardrobe with accessories. The brighter and more eye-catching the better, especially if it’s on something small like shoes or a clutch. Naturally, I am seriously loving this Azzurra Gronchi clutch. The neon pink and yellow clash, but somehow it makes this little bag all the more appealing to my eye. Pair with the matching shoes (by a different designer), but keep the rest of your look simple, preferably all black, to let your accessories stand out.
The handbag is neon yellow leather with bright pink overlay and gold tone hardware. It has a front flap with turn lock closure. $433 Available here
The Nicholas Kirkwood shoes are yellow leather with pink lace overlay. They have leather sole and in-sole. The heel measures 5.1 inches with a .75 inch platform. $860 Available here