Lauren’s Luxurious Looks For Less: The Lanvin Peter Pan Collar

Remember when the bib necklace was all the trend a few seasons ago? Well now it’s the Peter Pan collar. I wasn’t really gung-ho about it until I saw the Lanvin Beaded-Chain Collar Necklace pictured above. It’s absolutely stunning! However, at $1330 I will chose to pass, thanks. You know how I feel about paying that much for a trend. Marni for H&M had a beaded collar (one in black and the other in white) that for $30 was nearly impossible to snag. Now they are selling for more than double on eBay! So I got to thinking, I should search online for some on-trend Peter Pan collars that give me that Lanvin fix, without the Lanvin price tag. Here are 10 Peter Pan collars I found that top out at $656. Yet most are in the $30 range! Bingo!

1. Topshop Sequin Peter Pan Necklace, $28

2. Miss Selfridge Silver Chain Peter Pan Necklace, $32

3. ASOS Mesh Gold Tipped Collar Necklace, $27.27

4. Topshop Mesh Bib Collar Necklace, $30

5. ASOS Fluro Sequin Collar, $27.27

6. Dannijo Hixson Collar Necklace, $656

7. Fiona Paxton “A New Season A New Start” Jade Necklace, $312.50

8. ASOS Embellished Stone Floral Collar, $32.72

9. ASOS Pieces Florida Bead Collar, $32.72

10. Marni Printed Cotton-Poplin Collar, $250

- Lauren Dimet Waters

Image Layout: Katie Schmitz

Chicagoland Retail: Henri Bendel To Open At The Westfield Old Orchard Mall

New York’s Bendel Girls won’t be the only ones who get to have all of the fun!  Old Orchard Bendel Girls will be seeing stripes in no time! That’s right. Henri Bendel is opening its second Chicagoland location at The Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, Illinois on May 4th. A New York City icon since 1895, Henri Bendel is one of Manhattan’s chicest shopping destinations for accessories and gifts.

The new Henri Bendel at Old Orchard will treat customers to a stylish sensory overload as shoppers enter through an archway modeled after the legendary Fifth Avenue Flagship. The iconic Brown and White stripe that graces the store’s coveted shopping bags and hat boxes is interspersed throughout the store as are custom-made chandeliers.

As the quintessential girl’s playground, Henri Bendel at Old Orchard will offer an array of handbags, jewelry and gifts forever rooted in its luxurious and unique heritage that has made shopping at Henri Bendel a rite of passage for stylish, young women around the world.

Henri Bendel at Old Orchard
4999 Old Orchard Center
Skokie, IL 60077

When Your Own Initials Are Enough…Bottega Veneta Launches Initials Collection

Doesn’t it seem like every luxury bag company is hopping on the monogram bandwagon these days? Heck, even Cambridge Satchel have too. Yet, we are really excited about this launch because Bottega Veneta bags are not only quality crafted, but a little less obvious. Yes, as of today you can have your very own monogrammed Bottega Veneta, bag, belt, wallet…

Bottega Veneta has created a new standard of luxury since its founding in Vicenza in 1966. Steeped in the traditions of Italy’s master leather craftsmen and long celebrated for its extraordinary leather goods, Bottega Veneta is considered one of the world’s premier luxury brands.  The company’s famous motto, “When your own initials are enough,” expresses a philosophy of individuality and confidence that now applies to a range of products including women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, fine jewelry, furniture, and more.

“Initials” combines the beauty of Bottega Veneta’s handcrafted intrecciato nappa with the elegance and individuality of a monogram. This new collection is only available online and is offered for both women and men. The Initials service will also be offered for luggage beginning in July.

Shop bottegaveneta.com.

The Thing I Am Loving Today: Confections by Shara’s Paperie Personalized iPad Folio Case

A couple of weeks ago I attended Pamela Peckerman’s Accessorize for Motherhood event where Pamela shared with us her “mommy must-haves.” One thing I was really excited about was the Confections by Shara’s Paperie Personalized iPad Folio Case. When I received my iPad (yes, I have an iPad 1) I just had to get a too cool for school leather case. Problem is…it weighs a ton! I hate it. I find myself not bringing my iPad places I should because it just weighs me down. So I was thrilled to try one that was fun, monogrammed and feather-weight.

This stylish iPad case personalized for you will fit the iPad 1, 2 or 3 and allows for the camera and speaker to be used. Each case is made of neoprene and embossed leather with suede accents. Offering tough protection while looking fabulous, the iPad is held firmly in a leather pocket and is closed with a durable Velcro strip. The monogrammed iPad case can be used in three different positions to suit your favorite viewing option. Best of all? It weight practically nothing!

My Personalized iPad case

Shara Danziger, owner of Shara’s Paperie, opened her storefront in Memphis in 2004 with the goal of bringing new, designer invitations into the marketplace. Since then she has expanded online and now offers a vast selection of personalized items like iPhone covers, iPad covers, melamine plates and bowls, clipboards, water bottles, lunch boxes and a variety of gifts and accessories for children and adults. Next on my list? Personalized luggage tags! What a great gift idea. I mean how hard is it to find your bag on an airport carousel in a sea of black suitcases?

Shop for your own iPad cover or whatever at shopconfections.com.

- Lauren Dimet Waters

Fall/Winter 2012 Preview. Etienne Aigner Handbag & Accessories Collection

Etienne Aigner, the elegantly classic handbag, shoes and accessories line has been crafting luxe, vintage-inspired leather goods for as far back as any of us can remember. And now, after a brief hiatus, the beloved leather good company is back with their Fall/Winter 2012 collection.

Named after celebrated New York heiresses, the fall/winter 2012 collection encompasses six different families of bags, each with their own distinct look yet culminating in a cohesive collection that is fresh and modern, but still true to the Etienne Aigner aesthetic. And we’ve got the scoop on the entire new line here:

The Whitney line

Whitney – The largest family in the fall/winter collection, the Whitney collection ranges from roomy hobos and totes to smaller cosmetic purses and envelope clutches. Available in embossed python leather or smooth drum dyed leather, the attention to detail is immediately noticeable in the distinctive seam and piping details. Colors in embossed python leather include Tan, Brown, Green and Russet; colors in drum dyed leather include Black, Navy, Signature Bordeaux, Chestnut and Fawn.

The Mortimer line

Mortimer – Staying true to the heritage of the brand yet made relevant to today’s woman, the Mortimer collection blends classic Etienne Aigner trademarks with modern twists and fun detailing. Ranging from totes and clutches to smaller makeup bags and purses, the collection is available in Black, Navy, Chestnut and Signature Bordeaux.

PLRG (Poor Little Rich Girl) – The perfect combination of fashion and function, the PLRG collection combines simple clean lines with a bold croco-leather texture in a collection that is both on-trend and timeless. Available in a roomy tote, a clutch, a medium and large shoulder bag in Black, Signature Bordeaux, Sienna, Fawn.

The Delano line

Delano – Easy to wear, stylish yet subtle, the Delano collection has the ideal handbag for the woman on the go who refuses to sacrifice style for the sake of practicality. Cleverly designed with pockets, dividers and other hidden touches that every woman looks for in a handbag. Available in a large and medium hobo, tote, shoulder bag and satchel; colors include Black, Canyon Brown, Bordeaux, and Navy.

The Hutton line

Hutton – Named after the infamous heiress to the Woolworth’s fortune Barbara Hutton, the Hutton collection is a decadent range of styles in a luxurious calf hair. Available as a tote, clutch, shoulder bag and satchel; colors include Black, Signature Bordeaux and Chestnut.

 Beekman – For the woman who wants to make a statement with her handbag, the Beekman collection combines strong fabrics with classic shapes and striking details. Available in suede with Nappa leather trimmings, styles include shoulder bag, tote, hobo, satchel and clutch in colors of Black, Navy, Bordeaux, and Chestnut.

We had a chance to see these gorgeous styles up close at the Etienne Aigner Fall/Winter 2012 collection preview party. Held in the stately Morgan library, reps for the company encouraged guests to try on the decadent bags and indulge in their rich, sumptuous fabrics like, leather, suede and calf hair. Photographers grazed around the crowd talking pictures of guests posing with their favorite bags (I chose the navy clutch in the Mortimer line, pictured above).

A table full of beautiful bags at the Etienne Aigner Fall/Winter 2012 colletion preview party.

The party also served as an opportunity for the company to showcase their latest jewelry line as well, chock full of both delicate confections and chunky hardware. The looks ranged from an almost Egyptian flare with bold, colored stones to morde modern, artful pieces with wide open circles. Just like the handbag line, there was clearly something for everyone.

Both mixed metals and stones adorn the pieces in the Fall/Winter 2012 jewelry collection

Although summer is nearly here, we’re already setting our sights on fall with the help of Etienne Aigner and their new, comprehensive collection of handbags, accessories and jewelry. Get your own sneak peek of the lines now at EtienneAigner.com.

-Alia Rajput

Photos: Eitienne Aigner, Second City Style

Trend For Spring 2012: Statement Belts

Yes, it used to be about the statement necklace and the statement ring. I guess it still is. Or maybe it’s just about making a statement period. However, for Spring 2012 I am noticing a lot of statement belts! Now that I have a waist again, I’m most interested. I saw the BCBGMAXAZRIA U-Toggle Waist Belt (shown #2) in person a month or so ago and was instantly drawn to it. Maybe because it was a little reminiscent of Hermes? Who knows. All I can tell you is that I’m personally now searching for the perfect new statement belt to go along with some of the vintage ones I have collected over the years. The mens 70′s suede Gucci belt I lifted from my father is still one of my favorites. Go ahead and invest in some of your own statement belts. Don’t worry, you will still be wearing them come fall. Here are 10 statement belts I’m considering right now:

1. DKNY Matte Gold Heavy Link Belt, $265

2. BCBGMAXAZRIA U-Toggle Waist Belt, $78

3. Roberto Cavalli Metallic-Leather Jaguar-Buckle Belt, $875

4. Ralph Lauren Collection Diamanté-Clasp Woven Jute Belt, $695

5. Ronald Pineau Zipper Belt, $635

6. TOUCH – Leather Belt, $54.99

7. Heritage Double D Waist Belt, $242

8. Ralph Lauren Tri-Strap D-Ring Belt, $495

9. Roberto Cavalli Neon-Clasp Python Belt, $1,195

10. Tory Burch Turn-Lock Leather Belt, $195

- Lauren Dimet Waters

Image Layout: Kristine Horton

Runway Photos: NYMag

Accessories Report. Kate Spade Launches Debut Watch Collection

Kate Spade has officially launched her debut watch collection, and it is definitely one with inspiration to boot. Kate Spade’s watches are all inspired by–wait for it–New York City.

Although not an original design inspiration, Kate Spade shows her true love of NYC in her subtle design aspects for all of her watches. Whether it be the whimsy of the cotton candy colors on her Carousel bangle-watch, the mod design of her Parsons watch, or the ladylike details on the Waldorf watch–it’s plain to see that Kate Spade knows and loves her NYC.

The watches range from $175-$295 and just went on sale today. Kate Spade has successfully created a line of watches that is ready for every style, every  woman, and everything we love about New York.

-Kat Bremhorst

Photo Source: katespade.com

Trend For Spring 2012: Raffia & Leather Accessories

Nothing says “summer is here!” like raffia accessories. Every spring, there is some version of the natural fiber in a bag or shoe that hits the stores. Well for Spring 2012 I am noticing a lot of fantastic raffia combined with leather accessories. In fact, they are so fresh and modern, they look like they are meant for more than a quick trip to the farmer’s market! Look for raffia and leather accessories with more modern details like neon leather piping or patterns and prints. Here are 10 raffia and leather accessories we found for you to check out:

1. Burberry Prorsum Woven Leather and Raffia Wedge Ankle Boots, $1,595

2. Yves Saint Laurent Roady Woven Straw and Leather Hobo Bag, $1,495

3. TIBI Leather and Raffia Wedges, $159.20

4. Chloe Sally Leather and Python Shoulder Bag, $2,395

5. Burberry Prorsum Raffia and Patent-Leather Sandals, $795

6. Jimmy Choo Small Glitter Straw Tote, $895

7. Mark & James By Badgley Mischka Mark & James Reza II, $245

8. Annabel Ingall Natural Coco Bag With Black Leather Trim, $535

9. Loeffler Randall Valentine Peep-Toe Wedge, $375

10. Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity Panama Patterned Raffia Shoulder Bag, $895

-Lauren Dimet Waters

Image Layout: Amy Newling

Jimmy Choo Debuts Sandal Inspired by Iris Apfel

Jimmy Choo's "Iris" heel

Three out of four of our Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week team got to see the legendary style icon Iris Apfel at the Joanna Mastroianni show, (which was an exciting and also saddened experience, considering the turn of events). But seeing the 90 year old legend in person was still as awe-inspiring as we hoped it would be, similar to being in Bill Cunnigham’s presence for the first time. Or Anna Wintour’s. So we were excited to hear of British luxury shoe label Jimmy Choo creating an special sandal in honor of Apfel.

The hand woven, five inch leather heels, aptly named the “Iris” are bedecked with colorful charms, similar to the piles of necklaces Apfel has long been known to wear. Although, the similarity to her style seems to end there. On JimmyChoo.com the description reads, “Inspired by the irrevent and eccentric style of fashion icon, Iris Apfel, this hand finished sandal is a playful ode to craftsmanship and traditional shoe making.” Though we doubt Apfel herself would be caught dead trotting about in these sky scrapers, for any fan of hers with $1, 495 to spare they are a great homage to the longtime trendsetter. May she continue to reign for many years to come.

-Alia Rajput

Photo Source: JimmyChoo.com

Accessories Report. Book a Trip Just to Travel with Anna Sui’s New Luggage Line!

The Anna Sui for Tumi collection

Just in time for spring vacation, funky, print-happy designer Anna Sui has teamed up with the luggage connoisseurs at Tumi for a four-piece travel friendly collection.

“I have always thought that Tumi had amazing travel bags, so when the opportunity came about to collaborate on a collection with them, I jumped at the chance,” Sui explained. “To combine their construction and quality with my unique design aesthetic I thought would be a great union.  We are all thrilled with how the pieces turned out.”

The line — including a tote, a carry-on bag, a laptop case, and shoe bags — made its debut on Sui’s Spring 2012 runway and features a splashy butterfly print in her signature purple and black. For a travel line, this is definitely one of the cooler and more fashion forward we’ve seen in a long time. The tote bag alone would be a chic carryall for everyday.

So whether you’re plannign a trip or not (or realize now you have a reason to), check out the Anna Sui for Tumi now on Tumi.com or wait till it hits stores and see it in person on March 15.

-Alia Rajput

Article and Photo Source: Elle.com