We have an unspoken style rule when it comes to must-have fashion: Spotting it once is a chance. Twice is a coincidence. Three times, and we start accelerating the style to the top of our want list. So when we spotted five of Washington’s fashion bloggers sporting the same sleek, snake-embossed clutch from GiGi, we took a mental shopping note.
These leather bags are perfectly sized to fit all your daily essentials, come in a dozen shades from muted to bright, and can be personalized with a monogram. Take a look at how each of these District darlings paired her envelope clutch, then snag your own bag at Georgetown’s Sassanova or online.
Who can blame us for shamelessly counting down the days (that would be ten) until the silver-screen release of Baz Luhrmann’s remake? From a fashion perspective, The Great Gatsby is pretty much the holy grail: Combine an unapologetically decadent decade with a costume closet stocked with adapted archival dresses from Prada and Miu Miu, and it’s obviously going to be fab. Imagine the feathers! The fringe! The beading! The anticipation alone makes us want to completely redo our wardrobes to exclusively feature drop-waist dresses, T-strap pumps, and a glam palette of blush, white, black, and gold. And clearly we’re not alone: This season saw a major uptick in styles channeling the era. Click through the gallery to see our most coveted deco pieces—we’ve picked 20, of course. And guys, check out our earlier post on Brooks Brothers’ Gatsby-inspired collection.
It seems like all forms of jewelry have gone through a showoff phase: There were swinging chandelier earrings. Tough hunks of shiny metal masquerading as cuff bracelets. Massive cocktail rings. But lately, it’s the necklace’s turn—and the statement is major, teaming up bright, playful neons and cheery candy pastels alongside charmingly oversize rhinestones to create a piece that’s awesomely fun (and surprisingly versatile) to wear.
We don’t know about you, but we are so. very. ready. for a big dose of bold color. And when it feels like you’ve been stranded on winter’s gray and black fashion island for far too long, a double (or triple!) shot of vibrant hues just seems appropriate. One way to work in some major color: Go for the ultra-graphic, high-drama combos of mod, geometric color-blocking. We love this ’60s-esque look in clothes, so naturally we’re feeling the reinterpretation of crisp color-blocking when applied to fold-over clutches, ladylike shoulder bags, and structured satchels. Shop the eight faves above, then click through our slideshow to see 12 more graphic goodies.
We’re not going to tell you to buy a white tee and a pair of perfectly fitted skinny jeans, because: duh. Why is every “essentials” list stocked with boring basics you already have? We don’t know, but we’re here to remedy that: Here are the eight style musts to mix in for the ultimate so-right-now spring wardrobe. Get one of each, and give your style an instant upgrade. You’re welcome.
1. A Sharp, Structured Jacket
This is a way chicer approach to battling
overzealous AC than a ho-hum cardi. Look for a jacket with a sleek,
futuristic silhouette—that means shoulder pads, some killer draping, and
a slim-yet-sculpted shape.
Helmut Lang Sugar Combo jacket, $575 at Intermix.
2. A Chambray Shirt
Ok, this one isn’t so new, exactly. But still,
this is an über-versatile piece every style-savvy girl should have
sitting in her closet. The laid-back workhorse pairs with everything
from a pleated chiffon maxi skirt to sleek leather short-shorts. It’s a
must.
Perfect chambray ex-boyfriend shirt in Ferrous Wash, $69.50 at Madewell.
3. Leather Shorts
And
speaking of leather shorts: Get yourself a pair. Wear them with
everything, just like you would jean shorts. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Premium leather shorts, $130 at Topshop.
4. The Statement Collar Necklace
We love the dramatic punch of a
major statement necklace, and the latest versions sit right at the
collarbone for face-framing perfection. Mix yours with this year’s
florals and stripes for a modern take.
Dannijo Zinnia necklace, $612 at Shopbop.
We’ve always been vocal proponents of the statement bauble. Glinty gold bib necklace? Oh, yes. Dangerously spiked cuff bracelet? Indeed. Giant bejeweled cocktail ring? We’ll take three. This spring, though, a more playful take on statement jewelry has been popping up in the form of swingy tassel earrings and necklaces. A natural extension of global-inspired looks and trendy fringe, these shoulder-grazing danglers and sweeping pendants are a sexy, slinky nod to jet-setting glamour—no travel required.
(Clockwise from top left) Noetic Luna Danglers, $98 at Anthropologie; Juicy Couture Heavy Metal gemstone tassel necklace, $88.99 at Zappos; Kenneth Jay Lane coral beaded tassel earrings, $132 at Max & Chloe; Oscar de la Renta beaded clip earrings, $395 at Net-a-Porter; Rachel Zoe rhinestone tassel drop earrings, $265 at Neiman Marcus; and touch-tassel earrings, $11.99 at Mango.
Left and center photographs by Gianni Pucci/GoRunway.com via Vogue. Right photograph by Alessandro Viero/GoRunway.com via Vogue.
Sometimes, after several seasons of the in-your-face trends (baroque, neon, statement jewels, studded EVERYTHING), the proverbial fashion pendulum naturally swings back in a more subtle direction. Spotted on the spring runways of everyone from Chanel to Givenchy to Valentino to Gucci, chunky Lucite and transparent plastic paneling have officially taken the top spot as the accessory du jour. Don’t get us wrong: We still love a gleaming gold cuff or a shockingly bright bag, but the understated yet somehow dramatic nature of these airy pieces is definitely winning us over. Click through the slideshow to see 28 of our most coveted see-through accessories.
Photograph by Jeff Elkins.
Jay Rosenberg
Rosenberg, CEO of Rosenberg Media, matches his watch to his day: a fancy watch for a big business meeting, a plainer option for a casual appointment, diamonds for a special night out. “I learned that to be successful, one needs to look successful,” he says, “so I bit the bullet and fell in love with fine timepieces.” Rosenberg owns about 25 rare and expensive watches, amassed over the past 20 years.
1. Rolex Datejust, $35,000
“My first fine watch,” says Rosenberg, who added pavé diamonds to the links and the bezel. Another Rolex he owns, the Tridor Day-Date, has ten diamonds on the dial and retails for $63,700.
2. Hublot Big Bang, $33,200
Rosenberg bought the Big Bang—a favorite of celebrities and athletes—for its fusion of materials: rose gold, titanium, ceramic, and rubber: “It’s an A-list watch.” He’s also a fan of its enormous size.
3. Chronographe Suisse, $5,000
This vintage pre-World War II model, made of solid gold, is extremely rare and holds sentimental value: “It was given to me by my father before he passed away.”
4. Cartier Roadster, $13,000
The yellow-gold-and-steel construction and the shape remind Rosenberg of iconic Cartier timepieces of the early 20th century: “This is a great choice for the businessman with style and a sense of place.”
Ismail Tekin
A hairstylist for 24 years, nine of those at George at the Four Seasons salon, Tekin works in a profession where personal style is encouraged. Born and raised in Turkey, he says his desire for hip and contemporary watches is a reflection of the American dream: “If you want it, and are willing to work for it, you can make it happen.”
1. Invicta, $1,200
“I was browsing online, and from just one picture I wanted this on my arm,” says Tekin, who, unlike Rosenberg, tends to buy watches on the spur of the moment.
2. Cartier Roadster, $7,400
He bought this classic while in the Cayman Islands after a failed relationship: “Ironically, it will last through the years and be a faithful companion.”
3. Breitling, $4,000
Tekin was drawn to this watch’s bold and sporty feel. “It was my Singapore fling,” he says of the impulsive purchase.
4. TW Steel CEO Collection, $600
Tekin spotted this in Jamaica: “I was relaxed and having fun. This watch says relaxed and fun to me.”
This article appears in the February 2013 issue of The Washingtonian.
Equally important as the coveted inaugural ballgown are its accessories—and with royal blues, deep violets, and bright emeralds trending lately, you needn’t be shy with the gems come Sunday. Wearing bold jewelry is your chance to get creative, and an opulent necklace can transform even the simplest dress. We’ve pulled 16 lovely earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces—all under $50 and most available at local retailers—that evoke creativity and class without the high-end price tag.
We hear ya—not everyone’s got the budget for brand new head-to-toe holiday party looks. If gift buying/entry-level salary has you a little strapped for cash this season, there are several ways to look a little shinier without spending a lot of dough. For maximum festiveness with minimal effort, put something sparkly next to part of your body people will be focused on come party time: your face. Our new favorite way to do it is with colorful cluster earrings. More playful than dramatic chandeliers, these groupings of different-size gems are compact enough to be worn during the day, and fun enough to dress up last year’s cocktail dress at night. Click through the slideshow to see our 14 favorite takes on the trend—9 of which come in at under $50.
