{things i covet} c’est la vie embroidered printed crepe de chine clutch by charlotte olympia
[Photos from Net-A-Porter - $1,395, available here]
Considering that I only started constructing it recently, I have a fairly decent clutch collection. Some are elegantly simple (here, here, here, and here), some are unique (oh how I love my Alexander Wang 'Amber'), and some are iconic (I'm looking at you my DVF 'Lytton'). But none are what I'd consider 'quirky'–and this bag by Charlotte Olympia takes the prize for that adjective. Meant to resemble a folded magazine (so very clever) whose cover features a stunning Brigitte Bardot, it's got a casual glam element that I find incredibly irresistible–which is not to mention the fact that I'd probably wear it simply because Ms. Bardot's eyeliner/mascara are pronounced enough to make my make-up look downright understated.
Enter my GIVEAWAY to win a $50 gift certificate to Ettika Jewelry here!
{things i covet} jeweled clutch bag by prada
[Photo from Neiman Marcus - in Nudo (Nude) - $2110, available here]
It may be hard to believe now, but there was a time not so long ago when the only clutch in my closet was a vintage one that used to belong to my mother. I can't say that now–I've fallen in love with too many to even start to list (although you can get an idea of my collection here). Sadly I don't own anything Prada (yet–a girl can dream right?), though this satin and crystal bag certainly is tempting. Unique and eye-catching with some classic elements–a great shape and a perfectly neutral color–it's everything a good handbag should be and then some.
p.s. The winner of the Meghna Designs ring is 'tina c.'! Congrats! Didn't win? Don't worry because I have many more giveaways coming up soon! x
Want to get the look for less?
[Photo from Antropologie - 'Jewel In The Rough' Pouch in 'Rose,' Antropologie - $58, available here]
{things i wore} statement ring
To say I love jewelry would be an understatement…okay, a massive understatement that falls only slightly behind "I love shoes" and "I love handbags." Yet I never let having a lot of pieces take away from appreciating my latest addition. This gorgeous ring comes from Meghna Designs, a unique and talented collection inspired by its creator's Indian roots. Their jewelry is handcrafted in her native country by artisans using luxury materials–for example, this white ring contains a gorgeously milky agate druzy. It's really no surprise that many Meghna pieces have made their way into both print and film features (for example Blake Lively and Kelly Rutherford wore the brand's earrings in an episode of 'Gossip Girl')–I must admit I feel pretty glam wearing this one myself.
What to score a Meghna Designs piece of your very own? Well you're in luck–check back tomorrow for a very sparkly giveaway!
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Jacket: Asymmetric Knit-Leather Jacket in Black, MICHAEL Michael Kors [was $475, available here]
Shirt: Essential Sheer Racerback Tank in White, Forever21 [$12.80, available here]
Jeans: 'Iris' Flare Jeans, Buffalo David Bitton [were $119, available here]
Shoes: Balnit Peep-Toe Slingbacks in Black, Aldo [were $110, available here]
Bag: NM + Target Metallic Zip Clutch Bag in 'Gold,' Marc Jacobs [was $69.99, available here and here]
Jewelry: Sideways Cross necklace, Etsy [old]; Gold Bar Bracelet in Black, Puravida [$20, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Round Agate Druzy Ring in White, c/o Meghna Designs [$110, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Head Mistress'
{things i covet} knuckle embellished brocade box clutch by alexander mcqueen
[Photos from Net-A-Porter - $2680, available here]
It was love at first (online) sight with this clutch. Its dramatic baroque look–oxblood, velvet, brocade–is iconically McQueen and totally on trend this fall. The size is perfect–not too big, not too small–and the shape is classic. I'm still a bit on the fence about "kuckle-duster" fastenings on clutches–they just seem too specific to wear with more formal looks. Still, the eye-catching embellishment has become just as synonymous with McQueen design as the brand's trademark skulls have. Speaking of which, check out the purple Swarovski crystal eyes on the one attached to this clutch. The details here really are all so over-the-top that the final product is just impossible to resist.
{things i covet} de manta floral-print satin clutch by alexander mcqueen
Photo from Net-a-Porter – $525, available here]
This clutch was released with Sarah Burton's FW12 collection for Alexander McQueen, but it feels like a perfect late summer piece. I love the shape of McQueen's "De Manta" bags, which are modeled and named after the hexagonal folds of manta rays. Unique and modern, they're not too overtly trendy. The moody print–blood red parrot tulip flowers against a black silk-satin background–is certainly emblematic of the fashion house's designs. I'd wear the bag with an all black outfit, but the painterly pattern would look just as stunning with a colorful one as well.
ENTER MY CURRENT BRACELET GIVEAWAY HERE.
{things i covet} printed leather clutch by etro
[Photo from Luisa Via Roma - $1120, available here]
I find the combination of black and white to be visually stunning–it's clearly inspired the layout of my blog–so needless to say I fell in love with this gorgeous Etro clutch the second I laid eyes on it. I adore its illusionistic design: while it looks like a handkerchief that's been folded up to meet like an envelope, it is instead really just a detailed pattern that has been printed on leather. Etro is known for their bold prints and color use– things this purse uses to perfection.
{things i covet} candy glitter clutch by jimmy choo
[Photo from Neiman Marcus - $595, available here]
As the name implies–Candy? Glitter? I'm interested!–this clutch from Jimmy Choo is all kinds of fun. I love how its smooth contours and rounded edges contrast with the front flap's dramatically slashed line. In gold, I think it would match with just about anything, a useful quality in a clutch. And glitter coated leather encased in acrylic is different but subtle enough to make the bag a statement piece that will enjoy a long shelf life in your closet.
{things i wore} white trousers
I’ve never really followed the "no white after Labor Day" rule. Sure, white is undeniably a summer color, but for me the connection is more about temperatures than dates on a calendar. So when the weather got unseasonably warm this week, I grabbed my favorite pair of white pants to head out for lunch. They’re the perfect length (no alterations required) and they have lots of chic details: cuffs, undersized pockets, and double buttons at the waist. To keep things within reason I steered clear of bright colors for the rest of the outfit— summer is officially over after all.
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Pants: Martin Fit Trousers in "White," Banana Republic
Shirt: Silk Pocket Tank in "Black," Banana Republic
Shoes: Novato Platform Sling-backs in "Black," Sam Edelman [were $99, available here]
Bag: Amber Spiral Notebook Clutch in "Croc-Textured Black," Alexander Wang [$625, available here]
Jewelry: Diamond Micro-Pave Band, gift; Assorted Sterling Silver Bangles, from Mexico; "Words are Powerful – Live" Set of Three Expandable Wire Bangles in "Silver," Alex and Ani [was $39, available here]; Paloma Picasso Loving Heart Ring in Sterling Silver, Tiffany & Co. [no longer available, similar style here]
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