NEWS: Rebecca Minkoff Launches Denim

If you're getting the sense lately that Rebecca Minkoff is just about everywhere--and killing it at the same time--that's probably because she is. Since she's already mastered the handbag, apparel and now shoe market, she's just launched into jewelry and now she's trying her hand at jeans. What I love most about this launch is that there's a do-good element. Not only do they offer the sick skinny fits I love, but with each purchase, a donation will be triggered to Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry program, making good jeans good genes.

(photo: courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff)

A New Way To Wear A White Tee

I've been going through a phase (for at least a year), where my default going-out outfit includes the perfect pair of jeans, and a great white t-shirt. The only problem is that the hunt for the perfect t-shirt continues. This one I spotted in a street style snap would be great for nights out. Paired with a contrasting bra, it'd elevate the look to something a bit more unconventional and flaunt a bit more skin for something that's dressed-down but still looks evening.

(photo: courtesy of The Sartorialist)

The Best Blouses

When it comes to getting dressed up, as much as I'm trying with dresses, the thing that gets me out of a rut time and time again is a great button-down blouse. I've been gravitating toward silk ones and have started thinking that maybe a new collection is in order to make sure I'm covered no matter where I'm headed. From meetings to dinners, there's always a way to dress up or down these near-perfect designs. Now if only dry cleaning weren't such a situation.

(photo: courtesy of Diary of the Coveteur)

Summer Dressing Inspiration

Now that it's getting to hot to wear anything but loose-fitting boyfriend jeans and breezy summer dresses, my motto is "the more, the merrier." This blogger pic gave me plenty of inspiration of how to wear what's set to make me look--and feel--pretty damn good this summer. The light pastels are soft and not too sweet, while the flower in her hair just adds to the pleasant effect. Altogether it makes for a perfect day dress to wear to parties, functions and a summer soiree.

(photo: courtesy of Peony Lim)

Borrowed From The Boys

A couple of years ago, Prada's Miuccia Prada sent a series of banana prints down the runway that lit the fashion world aglow. Now, in her menswear show, she's revisiting the amazing prints that've made her the stuff of waiting list lore with this new inspired mix of prints. Anything but subtle the skirt screams summer (despite being designed for 2014) and is a perfect point of inspiration for the coming warm-weather months. Go for a crazy graphic print like this, the more vivid the better. And if you can, opt for a print bag to pair it with--the more the merrier.

(photo: courtesy of Style.com)

In Your Eyes

As lame as it may be, I get transfixed late night by HSN and QVC, particularly when it has anything to do with makeup application because I'm completely useless. I'm grab and go and am constantly hearing that I should maybe try a bit more coverage (thanks, a lot), so a video like this is mesmerizing to watch. As old school as it may be, Bobbi Brown's tips still ring true and hold my attention, giving me reason to stock up on new shades and more products yet.

Repost: Inspired by Eva Chen

In honor of her recent appointment as Editor in Chief of Lucky Magazine, I thought I'd repost an interview I'd done with Eva Chen, then of Teen Vogue. Amazed at her success and how timeless her advice and know-how still stands.

From 12/12/10
I kinda maybe sorta already caught up with her via Twitter (which doesn't really count), so I'd thought I'd make it official. I've been obsessed with Eva Chen's style for some time and thought all of my readers would love to hear what this Teen Vogue Beauty + Health Director (and major style star) has on her radar right now. (Because let's be honest, I may be 28 but I am still LOVE reading Teen Vogue.) She spends her days writing up the latest makeup and beauty products, but don't be fooled---Eva is all about fashion. Read on to find out what's on her list, how she mixes high and low, and her top tips for finding your own great style!

(photo: courtesy of Eva Chen)

Q) When did you first realize you were into fashion?

A) I've always been surrounded by fashion—I grew up in New York City in Greenwich Village in the 80s! As a little girl, I remember walking down lower Fifth Avenue to school and seeing Mohawk-bedecked punk rock kids and being utterly baffled and transfixed! (Perhaps that's why I have a soft spot for leather jackets and studs now?). I also am fortunate enough to have a very, very fashion-obsessed mom. Rather than have me read traditional youth publications growing up, I was perusing Vogue and Bazaar! If only Teen Vogue had existed when I was a teen...

Q) You have a very distinct aesthetic, how have you developed it over the years?

A) Honestly, I very much still feel like I'm learning about fashion. It changes every day—especially when you work at Teen Vogue! I'm constantly finding quirky cool pieces hanging on the racks in the hallways, and am inspired by my peers. So I guess my look is a perpetual work in progress. I will say that in recent years I stopped wearing or dressing to what are trends, and really just wear whatever I want. I suppose that's my aesthetic now!

Q) Favorite place to shop?

A) Paris, without a doubt! I love their fast fashion brands: Sandro, Maje, The Kooples. Stateside, I love Barneys, Bergdorfs, Shopbop, Net-a-porter...  (ok, how are we not best friends?)

Q) Best fashion advice you ever received?

A) My mom is such a great shopper—I learned from her that if you see something you love, and it's made beautifully, and you don't think you can live without it, well...You should buy it! Her shopping methodology has gotten me in trouble with Amex more than once, ahem.

Q) Love that you mix high and low, what's your advice for pulling it off?

A)  tend to spend on a considerable fortune on bags, a small fortune on shoes, and as little as possible on most clothes, barring the odd statement piece or two. Shoes and bags are clinchers for any outfit! I also feel like a Serious Watch is a must-have. My favorites are Hermes and Cartier—they make me feel more grown-up! (I told you investment pieces were important!) 

Q) Each morning when you stare in the closet, how do you decide what you're going to wear?

A) The first thing I do when I wake up is check Weather.com. I love fashion, I love clothes, but I hate being cold! I usually start with one piece—a skirt, a pair of shoes—and build an outfit from there! (Functional fashion is key)

Q) How would you describe your sense of style?

A) Evolving. (BTW, totally relatable)

Q) What piece of clothing or look gives you the most confidence?

A) Impossibly high heels that I can actually walk comfortably in. Burberry Prorsum has had great shoes for a few seasons now...

Q) Any advice for young women trying to develop their own sense of style?

A) Don't be afraid to take risks. You're only young once—and everything looks good when you have a fearless attitude. 

Amazing advice from a total style star! Thank you Eva, you are SO inspiring!

Socially Responsible Style: Della

It's not always easy to stay chic and socially responsible, so when a line does the guesswork for you, that's when I sign up. Cue Della, a line that's just partnered with Urban Outfitters to launch some excitedly bright wares, straight out of Ghana. Not only are they trendsetting but this jacket would most certainly elevate the look of my favorite black jeans and white v-neck combo that I seem to be overdosing on lately. Great designs and great message--a rare find.

(photo: courtesy of Della)

Summer Sequins

People usually associate sequins with holiday and then Jenna Lyons of J. Crew came around and sequins popped up just about everywhere. Now they're here and there, but how to wear them during the summer months when all you're craving is light and bright? Pair a lighter metallic sheen with neon punches or bolder jewelry with cool stones shown here. Keep it casual with low-slung boyfriend jeans, white denim or even a slouchy olive pair that'll contrast in a casual way.

(photo: courtesy of The Glitter Guide)

Refiguring Lace

Lace is a tricky lot. It's easy to go the route of wearing it in a super femme dress silhouette, but sometimes it's far more gratifying to pair it with studs and leather for a combo a bit more unexpected. This season a few designers decided to bring the lace down low by turning them into pants, something that's quite hard to pull off and certainly seen far less. But the result is a feature that's ideal for day, resort-ready and a bit seductive for night.

(photo: courtesy of T Magazine)

Dressed To Kill

I want to be her...and why not? She leads a pretty charmed, well-dressed life. And did I mention she's French?

(photo: courtesy of Fashionista)

Make This A Must-Have

In case anyone was concerned about the over-saturation of leopard print, chalk this up to another season's worth of durable designs. The latest envelope clutch from Derek Lam's 10 Crosby line mixes a few different versions for a design that's bound to go with at least something you've already got. Plus, in a nice flat shape, it's easy to tuck under your arm and carry along documents and an ipad during the day and an evening's worth of essentials at night.

(photo: courtesy of Lyst)

MAJOR NEWS: Isabel Marant to H&M

In case you were living under a rock yesterday, here's some collab news that made the fashion world go nuts. Set every alarm you have for November 13, it's going to be major.

More Reasons To Love Her: Rebecca Minkoff

Rebecca Minkoff is arguably everywhere these days and just when I'm opining her saturation, I see another great look like this and I shut my mouth and remember why I love her anew. She's really got the goods. Putting together texture like the best in the game, she takes streetwear style to the next level, making it cool to wear downtown duds uptown, bringing a bit of ladylike spin (short hemline and peplum detailing) to a moto jacket and neet-it-now strappy sandal.

(photo: courtesy of Style.com)

Ladylike Meets Boy

No matter how hard I try, I'm still trying to saddle the divide between tailored menswear dressing and a few ladylike details that I think every woman needs. I can't commit to floral dresses and bows, but I also can't wear blazers and trouser cut denim every day either. This is a perfect go-between. The juxtaposition of the deconstructed denim and the ladylike boucle jacket works perfectly being that they're so different. One is dressed up, one so dressed down that they work quite well together for everyday and let you still be a little bit of both.

(photo: courtesy of Canned Fashion)

Best Of Resort: Misha Nonoo

The resort season is one that to me has a bit of a split personality. It's part based on winter weather and the rest is left for those tropical getaways that you long for during those long spells of freezing temps. So how to create a collection that caters to both? I love the way these sheer panels and insets seems to do just that in these designs by Misha Nonoo. Matching richer knits with peekaboo detailing, you've got the best of both worlds and fabrics to wear no matter where winter takes you.

(photos: courtesy of Style.com)

A New Fave: The Perfect Tee

I consider myself to be on the constant shirt for the perfect t-shirt. I seem to go through mine as if they're disposable, some get holes, most get stained and almost all will eventually get snagged. I spend most of my time shopping pondering how much is too much to pay for a t-shirt and while this one here from ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo is on the steeper side, its luxe jersey feel givestakes it day to night. I can tuck it into high-waisted jeans or pair with skinnies and a heel for night. Plus, it's got such a nice feel, it'll never wrinkle. Score.

(photo: courtesy of Barneys)

New Luxe Leather

I have yet to own a leather jacket that I actually wear and love but I've discovered a new label that may just be what I've been looking for all this time. Equal parts femme and edgy, Anine Bing puts grommets, studs and other beautiful details on her supersoft leather pieces (jackets, boots, leather leggings, etc.) to keep them cool while giving them some personality. The result are designs that standout apart from the heap of moto jackets and biker boots in the market.

(photos: courtesy of Angeleno)

How To: Transition Shorts

I'm hardly a shorts person but I imagine if I were, this would be how I'd wear them during these June gloom days. The overcast skies in the morning call for some booties and an oversized scarf paired with a slouchy top that counteracts the thigh-grazing hemline. As the weather warms up in the afternoon, you can shed the layers for something that looks sports appropriate.

(photo: courtesy of Elle)