Some bad-ass clogs

Biker Strap Clog by Sven

Fall is quickly approaching and one of my favorite shoes for the cooler weather is the clog.  Sven, which has been around since the clog-tastic 1970s, is the maker of classic clogs as well as many cool modern variations, for the entire family.  All the clogs start with a wooden base from either Austria or Sweden.  The shoes are then assembled in the U.S.A. in a vast array of styles and colors. The clogs are available in three heel heights.  They even make boot clogs with shearling lining!  Sven also does custom orders if you can't find exactly what you're looking for within their extensive selection.  And the added bonus is they are actually good for your feet!

All hail the satchel

The Classic by The Cambridge Satchel Company

Even if you are not an anglophile like me, there is no denying that the British have their own unique yet classic sense of style.  From the iconic Burberry plaid to new innovative designers like Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen (may he RIP), Great Britain has contributed a great deal to the fashion world.  The Cambridge Satchel Company is a perfect example of classic British style that holds its own against trendy looks that may come and go.  And their bags are still made in England, in a range of fun colors and various sizes.  They are available at stores in major American cities or through their website.  I can't wait to order mine, if I can only decide on a color!

'Stivale' is Italian for boot

As I have previously mentioned, shoes are a major obsession of mine.  But boots in particular are the one type of footwear that I cannot get enough of.  Tall or short, heeled or flat, I love them all!  That is why I'm very excited that Garnet Hill has just introduced their own line of Italian-made boots (and for very reasonable prices too.)  Plus they are offering free shipping through September 13!

Isabella Tall Riding Boots, $248

Donata Elastic-Detail Boots, $198

  Rosella Suede Wedge Boots, $188

Happy shopping!

The fascinating story of agnes b.

agnes b. is a designer I was vaguely familiar with but I had no idea that she had been around since the 1970s.  Her fascinating history is recounted in an article in the September issue of Vanity Fair.  Born near Versailles, she studied art but fell into fashion design, eventually opening her own store in Paris.  Over the years she has expanded all over the world while still remaining a bit of an outsider (she has only ever attended one fashion show!)  The company is still owned by Agnes and her children help run it.  Her designs are quintessentially French and much of her permanent collection is still produced there.  Here are some of my favorites:
   

 chemise cleo, $245, made in France

jupe lyrique, $145, made in France

new snap cardigan, $185, made in France

pantalon, $325, made in France

Bon courses!

Looking forward to fall

Summer's heat has been so unrelenting it is hard to imagine that fall will be here soon.  As much as I love the ease of a sundress with a pair of sandals, autumn fashion is just more fun.  Here are my first picks for the coming crisp weather:

The Captain Blazer by Alex and Eli, made in the U.S.A., $395

Cropped blazer with military touches in a punchy, statement red.  

Tailored enough for the office but fun enough for a night out.

Two Rivers Tee, made in the U.S.A., $68

A perfect summer/fall transition top.

Paddington Pullover, made in U.S.A., $68

A relaxed layering top for the weekends.

Arrow Feather Skirt, made in U.S.A., $328

Flowing maxi skirt in a bold pattern.  

Wear now with wedges and later with tights or boots.

Hanna Soft Slouch Pants by Wren, made in U.S.A., $198

All the comfort of sweatpants but chicer!  

Look great with sandals for now, and then boots 

whenever the weather finally cools.

Rufflescape Wedges, made in Spain, $488

These shoes are not for the shy but 

sometimes over-the-top is what you need!

Distressed Casey J Boots, made in the U.S.A., $268

For those of us who prefer footwear that is a little more practical 

(and comfortable).  These rugged boots are versatile enough 

to work with almost any outfit.

Happy shopping!

It's in the bag

Nixie bag by Be&D

Shoes may be my primary weakness, but handbags are a close second.  In high school, I rebelled against the need to carry one, preferring to be low-maintenance and use my pockets instead.  But college changed everything.  Coach was all the rage and I jumped on the band wagon.  Imagine my horror when I discovered this icon of American craftsmanship actually produces their bags in China!  And they are not alone. So many companies use Chinese labor for their bags, finding one not made in China for less than $500 is quite a challenge.  My friends T.J. Maxx and Marshall's can be very helpful.  In addition, here are some designers that ideally produce at least a few bags under $500:

   

Tylie Malibu  www.tyliemalibu.com

Bryna Nicole shopbryna.com

Be&D  beandd.com

Gianni Chiarini  available at Nordstroms

Sundance Catalog (most bags)  www.sundancecatalog.com

Pietro Alessandro  www.parkavenuehandbags.com


Happy shopping!

The dark side of luxury

I recently finished a very interesting book by journalist Dana Thomas.  Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster is part history, part expose of the luxury industry today.  Thomas covers the rise of many major brands, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, and Prada.  I'm a history nerd so I found each brand's background fascinating.  But what was even more captivating was the way many luxury brands have become globalized, with their emphasis shifting from quality to profits.  One shocker is that most brands are owned by a few large corporations, such as the vast holdings of the LVMH group, which owns everything from Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, to Givenchy, as well as Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon, and Vevue Clicquot champagnes.  But most disturbing is Thomas' section on the counterfeit industry.  Often made by children with the profits funding terrorism, fake handbags don't just hurt the companies they are imitating.  Thomas' book is a must-read for anyone interested in the fashion industry or consumer culture.