J. Crew = One-Stop Accessory Shop

Since J. Crew started bolstering its accessories division with an expanded footwear selection, fashion-forward leather goods (neon belts + preppy basics = genius) and a kick-ass Fenton/Fallon jewelry collabo, trawling their website for new bits and baubles has become an almost daily routine. Some recent finds:

Perforated platform heels pair perfectly with just about everything in your summer wardrobe. I love the rich brown hue, and the wooden cone heel is just the right height. $225.

The perfect skinny leather belt, in the loveliest dove grey and the prettiest blush/nude hues, $32. The nude and some of the neons aren't available on the website at present, but check your local brick-and-mortar.

A neon necklace would look great with a white hot tank and grey skinnies. Doubles as a bracelet, and now on sale for $19.50.

As annoyingly ubiquitous as straw fedoras are, this is the best-looking straw trilby I've seen, and it fits like a dream. Seagrass trilby from the men's department, $40.

Next on my list is this Fenton/Fallon for J.Crew Carrington crystal chain necklace, but I have yet to see it in store for a try-on. $175.

Photos: www.jcrew.com

Waist Watchers: Karen Walker's Chain Belt is a Keeper

Apologies for the week-long hiatus -- life got in the way. Between work, setting up the new digs, enjoying the phenomenal weather, and taking advantage of a free workout pass (six grueling days of everything from kickboxing to spinning = pure exhaustion), I haven't had the time or strength. In honor of the waist-whittling, I'll ease my way back into the groove with a cute tummy cincher.

Though Karen Walker's collections continue to delight me season after season, lately its been her accessories that have me swooning. My latest love: the adorable navy blue 3 Keeper Waist Belt, $150 @ Gargyle.

Photo: www.gargyle.com

Pretty Distractions

For some reason, I can't seem to shake the last of this dreadful cold/virus type malady and it's driving me towards insanity. I'm in search of a pretty pick-me-up that might temporarily distract me from this scratchy-throated torment. What luck! I've found not one, but three. I'd cry out in delight, if only I could manage more than a feeble croak.

Love the watercolor effect on this silky whisper of blouse. Leifsdottir Cream Bird Blouse, now $104 (was $260) @ Satine.

A unique little treasure of a belt. Sunshine and Shadow Woven Belt in blue/navy, now $105 (was $175) @ Creatures of Comfort. UPDATE: Eagle-eyed commenter Melanie reports that it's available at Bird for $89!

A prismatic paperweight that recalls childhood memories of summers on Lake Michigan. Great Lakes Prism Paperweights contain sand and pieces of nature from the Lakes. $60 for the five inch and $75 for the 6", currently out of stock @ Bona Drag, but orders placed through The Wild Unknown will ship on Jan. 11th.

Photos:
1) www.satineboutique.com
2) www.creaturesofcomfort.us
3-5) www.bonadrag.com

Shopping the A.P.C. Sale: Top Picks for the Men

As promised, here's my roundup of menswear finds from the A.P.C. sale currently in progress. Hit the brick-and-mortars for the best selection, but there are deals to be had online as well. I decided to limit this post to items under $200. While you ogle the discounted goods, I'm going to dump The Wizard of Oz (I've already watched it one and a half times today) for Inglourious Basterds. Bf gave it to me as a nondenominational holiday present (for an unofficial holiday which shall henceforth be known as "Khanmas") and yes, I gifted him with a copy of the very same for one of his Hanukkah presents -- funny story.

Striped pullover sweater, now $140 (was $200), shown in dark indigo/ecru stripe. Also available in dark indigo/violet stripe.

 

Flecked cardigans are all the rage these days, apparemment. Cardigan, $175 (was $250). Available in beige/multicolored (top) and anthracite (bottom).

 

 

Narrow plaid shirt in chestnut brown/navy, $85 (was $170). Also available in black/grey and navy blue/white.

"Boy" shirt in blue plaid, $119 (was $170), shown in blue plaid. Also available in red plaid and brown plaid.

Wool web belt in grey, $45 (was $90). Also available in black and red.

 

Tennis shoes in grey, $140 (was $200).

 

 

Photo credit: www.apc.fr