Found: The Perfect Winter Shades

Sunglasses are a year-round staple for me. Just as they protect my peepers from the blinding brightness of a summer's day, they also prove to be an effective shield against biting, tear-producing winds come winter. Finding a pair that looks cold-weather appropriate, however, can be a bit of a challenge. Ironically, Super's "Summer Safari" Basic is just what I was looking for. I have a pair in grey and can't tell you how many times people (both men and women) compliment or ask me about them. They're a great shape and a steal considering they're hand crafted with Zeiss lenses. The unique print adds a touch of fun to your outfit on a dull, dreary winter's day.


Super Summer Safari Basic Wayfarer in Multi, $153 @ NeedSupply. Unisex.

 Photos: www.needupply.com

Fall Obsession: Herschel Supply Co.'s Little Red Backpack

I love the popping red on this backpack from Herschel Supply Co. It has an adorable candy-stripe lining and padded computer sleeve to keep your laptop safe. Sadly, it's out of stock everywhere, but I'll keep an eye out for new shipments.



Herschel Pop Quiz backpack, $65.

Photos: 
1) www.needsupply.com
2) www.herschelsupply.com

Fall Shoe Picks: J. Crew Edition

From laceup booties to the chicest leopard print flats, J.Crew has enough lustworthy footwear to deplete my bank account in one fell shopping swoop. Currently coveting:

I typically shun animal prints but will, on occasion, make exceptions for the following:1) a vintage fur cloak a la Anne Bancroft in Mrs. Robinson 2) a wide headband and 3) a pair of elegant flats to channel a girl's inner Audrey. I have stumbled upon the holy grail of the lattermost in the Kelsey Calf Hair Ballet Flat. $248.

Speaking of Audrey, the style name of these sky-high canvas and leather lace-up boots is Eliza. $350.

Scoop up these adorable slippers as a stocking stuffer for your significant lady before they disappear from shelves in the holiday shopping madness. Knit Bow Ballet Slippers, $55.

Photos: www.jcrew.com

Fantasy Friday: Chloe Dionee Folding Sunglasses

In which we shop with imaginary money and indulge our fanciest fancies.

This week's Fantasy Friday post is dedicated to one Clare Vivier. She has no idea who I am, or that she's been providing me with a steady source of inspiration ever since I happened upon her wonderful blog. I love, love, love her taste. At the moment, I'm living vicariously through her newly acquired Chloé Dionée foldable sunnies, the sight of which delights me on a level you can't even imagine. They fold up(!) and are housed in the most adorably chic case I have ever seen. Wouldn't you just love to hold this pretty little oyster in the palm of your hand?

They retail for $398 and are available in tortoise/gold, as seen here in Clare's pictures, or black/silver. The latter is currently available on Shopbop.

 Photos: www.seevivier.blogspot.com

Weekend Wear: Booties, Bags, and Cozies for Your Fall Getaway

The perfect pieces for an upstate escape of the cabin-in-the-woods variety:

Rachel Comey Thistle Boot, $338 @ Gargyle.

Clare Vivier's adorable canvas Cartable Bag stows your laptop and notebooks - perfect for your writerly retreat. $275.

Cozy, supremely scrunchable camp socks to keep your toes toasty, $12.50 @ J.Crew.

The perfect ivory, cable knit fisherman's sweater. Alexa Chung for Madewell Aimee Fisherman-Knit Sweater, $138. UPDATE: currently sold out online :(

Photos:
1) www.gargyle.com
2) www.seevivier.com
3) www.jcrew.com
4) www.madewell.com

Bag Obsession: Erin Templeton's Simple Beauties

My hunt for a new everyday bag continues, and there's a new contender in the mix. Vancouver-born, Cordwainer's-trained Erin Templeton's handbags are beautiful in their simplicity (think relaxed, organic shapes in supple leathers, sans excessive hardware). Made with a mix of new and recycled materials that vary in hue, her pieces have a one-of-a-kind vibe -- you can be confident knowing its exact copy won't be seen dangling from the elbow crook of every other passerby. I've picked out my favorite styles below, but you can check out the entire range on her website.

The convertible Palooka can be worn two ways and comes in different sizes. Prices range from $295-$395.

 

The Side Saddle has a great pebbled texture. Price unknown.

The simple Good Girl is so named because, according to Ms. Templeton, "good girls don't carry a lot of baggage."$230.

Photos: www.erintempleton.com

Seeing Red: Ruby-hued Must-Haves for Fall

Warm up your look this season with these of-the-moment crimson pieces. A woolly jacket, candy-apple red mini bag, or sexy shoe bootie are sure to chase the chills away. 

Keep your neck cozy with the oversized collar on this cropped, bracelet sleeve jacket, done up in a pretty plaid. What Goes Around Comes Around Rosario Jacket, $475.

Clare Vivier's polished, ladylike Mini Sac in the most fetching of reds adds a bright highlight to fall neutrals. At $169, it's an almost guilt-free mini indulgence. I'm also madly in love with her blog, See Vivier. which features gorgeous photos that give you a real sense of her aesthetic and craft and, on occasion, gives you a peek at her fabulous shoe finds.

Gold-tipped, brick-red booties spice up your step. Loeffler Randall Donna Metal Tip Pump, $475.

Photos:
1) www.
2) www.seevivier.blogspot.com
3) www.loefflerrandall.com

Fall Favorites: Moore and Giles Clutch Wallets

The rich leather, gorgeously saturated hues, and vintage look of Moore and Giles' Pocket Clutch wallets had me at first click. The Virginia-based company has been around since the 1930's and knows a thing or two about crafting beautiful leather goods that are as beautiful as they are functional.

Blackbird currently has it in Sierra Gold, $95.

Other colors, like this lovely blue and pretty rose, are available on the Moore & Giles , like this lovely blue and pretty rose, are available on the Moore & Giles website.

 Photos:
1-2) www.blackbirdballard.com
3-4) www.mooreandgilesinc.com

Fall Favorites: Mick Margo's Braided Bracelets

I heart Mick Margo, and Refinery29 has just given me yet another reason to stop by the West Village boutique (after enjoying some milk and cookies next door, of course). They recently posted these lovely braided bracelets in a Fall shopping roundup, and I haven't been able to get them out of my head ever since. At just $12 a pop, it'll be hard not to walk out of there without arms fully loaded.

Photo: www.refinery29.com

Menswear Obsession: J.Crew Vintage Utility Fleece Fireman Hoodie

Fall has announced itself with a most unfriendly nip in the air, forcing us to draw our collars up and pull the covers tight at night. Before you get to grumbling about it (it's a loooong way to spring), check out J.Crew's amazingly comfy fleece hoodies for a warm distraction.

The supremely durable Vintage Utility Fleece Fireman Hoodie is outfitted with vintage workwear-inspired accents. $88 @ J.Crew. Available in heather flint and black.

Photos: www.jcrew.com

Don't Be Tardy to The Party: Early Bird Holiday Shopping Picks from Wren, Rachel Comey, and Dusen Dusen

It might be just a wee bit early to start shopping for holiday dresses, but a girl can't help herself when there are all these party-perfect frocks on offer. Besides, it's always better to start staking out favorites, in hopes that prices might drop by the time party season rolls around. A few sparkly, spangly things that conjure up a festive mood:

Doesn't Dusen Dusen's Laser Print Snow Stripes Dress just scream New Year's fete?  $242 @ Thistle and Clover.

Wren Mixed Gold Sequined Skirt, $374. Pair with a slim black bodysuit and you're fit for a chic office soiree.

For a swankier, sexier affair, try Rachel Comey's silky slip of a Cannonball Dress with lace insets. It just happens to come in my favorite color of the season. $528 @ Stuart and Wright.

Photos: www.refinery29.com