March 17, 2011
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Chanel once said "a woman should wear ropes and ropes of pearls". Agreed. But right now it's the impact of the single strand that's caught my eye. I noticed them at Thom Browne for spring (left) and then a few weeks ago at Donna Karan for Fall 2011.
Maybe it's a trendlet and maybe not. But unadorned gray pearls sans any mashup of chains, gems and bows look great. Their creamy, nacreous sisters are beautiful but I am pulling out my long strand of grays to wear everyday with white tee shirts, menswear jackets and with bright colors. There are few things sexier than a single strand of pearls tucked into the V-neck of a white tee or sweater. While I don't recommend running for the train in the knee length Mr. Browne used to accessorize his schoolboy blazer, I like the exaggeration of an opera length (48 to 120 inches long) worn casually. Donna Karan's marble-sized princess length looks elegant and unapologetically faux. And fake knocks the potential for stuffy out of the equation.
Feb. 01, 2011
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A new year. New eyeglasses. It seemed like an easy enough style upgrade until I started to shop for frames and found myself muttering "why does anything with a look cost $400?" There are a few reasons. Designer glasses are ridiculously expensive because much like Big Oil and Big Pharma there is Big Optometry. Safilo and Luxotica are two mondo manufacturers who also design and market glasses for fashion names like Chanel, Gucci, Prada and Ralph Lauren. Luxotica also owns retailers Sunglass Hut and Lens Crafters. So the cost of seasonal ad campaigns and mall real estate are factored into the price of every pair of frames.
After a little online research I discovered Warby Parker which sells retro-inspired frames for around $95 a pair including prescription lenses. The one year old company eliminates the retail middle man with frames of their own design that they sell from their online store. You have a few options when you shop. The site has facial recognition technology so upload a picture of your face and try on virtual glasses. I prefer a hands on approach so the company mailed me five loaner frames of my choosing to try at home. I was impressed. The glasses were lightweight enough to avoid slipping but felt comfortable and sturdy on my face. The loaners are returnable if you don't strike gold. Choose your frames and enter your prescription information online including the distance between your pupils ( an optician can easily measure this for you) and that's it. Chic-looking and well-priced glasses for a fraction of the cost of designer frames. And for every pair of frames sold WP provides a free pair of eyeglasses to someone in need in the U.S. or the developing world.
Sept. 02, 2010
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I am a huge fan of Isabel Toledo. A highly respected part of the New york design scene for over 20 years, she has long been a fashion insider's favorite. Until now, you could only find her designs at stores like Barneys or boutiques like Ikram in Chicago -where Michelle Obama was first introduced to her beautiful clothes. The wool lace dress and coat ensemble Toledo designed for Mrs. Obama's Inaugural look propelled her onto the national stage and the kind of name recognition that wins masstige collabs at Target and Payless. Her shoe range for Payless is as varied as a sexy satin-look D'orsay pump with sky high heels to a wooly boot that captures fall's love of fur trims. I went straight for the masculine/feminine appeal of the Ghillie.
Part ballet flat meets menswear, they'll will look just right with ankle cropped black pants. At $34.99 they are a cheap and chic transition flat- post sandals and pre-boots. I'll add a gel insole to compensate for the lack of give in the man made nylon. I'm betting they'll be a handy rain shoe on crap days as they have a sturdy and cool looking rubber sole.
Aug. 18, 2010
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For their fall/winter finale, Dolce and Gabbana sent dozens of girls down the catwalk (semi)dressed in smartly tailored jackets on top and simple black pumps on their feet. Their message was clear. The time seems right for a footwear correction to compliment two fall clothing camps -minimal and ladylike.
And when two high priestesses of cool like Stella McCartney and Isabel Marant sent pointy toe pumps down their runways a trendlet was hatched. 
Requests for this "IT" mid-heel have created waiting lists at Isabel Marant stores in NY and Paris but they cost $620 (ouch) and the look can definitely be found for less.
This time last year I had a serious craving for just this kind of point toed pump to wear with pleated, cropped pants. I wanted pumps that were not so tres cher and expensive that I couldn't run around in them (I use this term loosly) on a typical day of shopping and appointments. I found the $69 style from Nine West (below).They are very comfortable. I can walk easily and the pointy toe offers the alchemy of nasty, sexy and classic all at once -minus any agony quotient. And at a tenth of the price of a pair of classic mid-heels from either Manolo Blahnik or Christian Louboutin I was pleased with my thrifty discovery.
I like the look of the Charles Jourdan pumps with a heel just over three inches and the black suede Elie Tahari pumps capture the vibe of the Marant pumps. 
TOP LEFT: Charles Jourdan pumps $204 couturezappos.com. MIDDLE: Elie Tahari $298 couturezappos.com
June 08, 2010
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A few of the exits in Diane von Furstenberg's Spring 2010 show featured black jersey day dresses styled with ethnic accessories. Among DVF's colorful prints these combinations appealed to my practical side because who doesn't have a simple, solid colored dress -black or otherwise- that couldn't use a transfusion of 'right now' accessories? This summer's global bazaar of baubles, bags, and sandals are available at prices from bargain to very high. The tribal trend looks especially fresh when paired with something straight-forward. That white cotton dress that feels a bit precious whenever you put it on? Show it some tough love with a tie-dye clutch inspired by Indonesia. A stack of soft kente cloth bracelets, a straw bag and a woven leather sandal will change the landscape of a simple frock. So, here are a few suggestions:
1.DVF's dress has an interesting sarong-like drape in the front. The silhouette is easy going and looks right with a mix of ethnic accessories (image from style.com). 2. Dookie bracelets are $10 each at nakumuli. 3. Tie dye clutch available at Club Monaco stores. 4. Woven hobo $175 at jcrew.com 5. Beaded mesh bib necklace with snap closure $725 roarkejewelry (Yes, big price tag but interpret the Aztec beads idea in your range) 6. Loeffler Randall perforated pump is $550 at loefflerrandall.com (this will go on sale any minute. I tried on a pair and they are great looking on the foot and comfortable too).
A TIP FOR PETITES: If you love the look of tribal necklaces but feel the scale is too big, look for small scaled pieces - lots of little beads or a small scale link, for example. Then layer. Combine 2 or 3 necklaces ( the same or mix it up) to create visual volume minus a proportion that swamps your upper body.
May 20, 2010
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I have always loved the spectator shoes and sandals of summer. Any graphic combination of chalk white paired with bright color and you've got my attention. Not to mention the appeal of the Chanel ballet flat. The feminine proportion and that black cap toe have a 'forever ingénue' quality that appeals to the inner Bardot in ever woman. For summer I've been spotting many two-tone and color blocked riffs on the theme that are more cheeky than classic. How better to spark neutrals like white, khaki and black in your wardrobe? And in a season of pattern mixes, wearing a print something with a color-blocked shoe (that share at least one color in common) looks style savvy. 
1.Kate Spade's sandal combines cream and caramel with fiery orange red $298 couturezappos.com.
2.Barneys New York COOP simple camel suede and gold leather sandal has a two-toned perfection that will elevate any outfit $295 barneysnewyork.com .
3.Could have knocked me over when I found this shoe from Camper - a line known best for sturdier shoes. Nude and black suede combine with a light wedge heel for tri-colored chic. Great with silk cropped pants. Walkable and $149.99 endless.com.
4. I 'll confess I am exhausted by shoe styes that suggests gladiator anything. But this style's sculpted heel, minimal platform and combination of straw textured fabric and cream leather piping reminds me of Manolo Blahnik. Expensive looking but $120 ninewest.com.
5. Okay these sandals from Loeffler Randall are patterned and not color blocked but they have a low 1 inch wood wedge heel and it's easy to see how they'll enhance neutrals and hot colored solids alike. $399 couturezappos.com.
6. J.Crew's versatile two -toned satin ballet flats are dip dyed by hand $118 jcrew.com.
May 04, 2010
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When rainy days meet hot weather women face a real style challenge. Few things are more uncomfortable than bare feet and legs shod in rubber rain boots. A less sticky but unsavory alternative can be seen when legions of flip-flop-wearing girls navigate the soaking streets of New York. Ack!
Fortunately, a few labels are offering an antidote in lightweight rubber ballet flats and more. Let it rain!
1. Vivienne Westwood Anglomania & Melissa UltraGirl 1V ballet flat with wax seal detail $134. Lady like and the Chanel-esque color combination has a graphic appeal. Want ankle booties or peep toe pumps in rubber? Viv makes those too. couturezappos.com.
2. J. Crew Rainy Day Ballet Flat $55 and available in more colors jcrew.com.
3. Kate Spade Obi sandal $60 for those 'chance of afternoon showers days'. couturezappos.com.
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs lace up ghillie meets jelly $95 couturezappos.com.
Feb. 08, 2010
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On Prada's Resort runway nearly every model carried the same style handbag- the mid-sized satchel. Aside from the designer's emphatic visual cue about the bag shape and size to come- it's clear that a new order has emerged in Accessoryland.
Smaller bags look right - a good thing for anyone hefting an overstuffed tote bag. I am a repeat offender. The other day I weighed my trusty everday tote-stuffed to its gussetts- on my bathroom scale. My old Goyard weighed in at ten whole pounds of electronics, notebooks (wait-don't I have that notebook thingy in my phone?), Nalgenes, snack bags, emergency flats and a makeup bag. You get the picture. In the age of the I-Phone how much do we really need to drag around in our handbags? Spring is the ideal time to pare down what you carry. Something more compact will improve your style profile and your posture.
The satchel never really goes out of style and is distinctive for its great lines, its lack of tat like buckles, straps, grommets and studs, and a proportion that is easy to carry and to carry off. Choosing tan or saddle leather offers a chic-looking balance for spring's whites, neutrals, and pastels and hot-colored brights alike. And a neutral color is a smart choice when you amortize a pricey but practical bag that will also look great next Fall.
Images from Prada's Resort collection from style.com.
Feb. 02, 2010
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Fashion has proclaimed the return of the kitten heel. The mid-height heel has also been ordained as looking new. I'd like to think that so many women have cried out in misery walking in 4" daggers that designers listened to our plaintive wails and responded with lower heel options. Nah. We are simply in a trends cycle that looks good with lower heels.
This is very good news for women who find high heels too excruciating to wear.Here's more good news.The very comortable wedge-in varying heel heights-is everywhere and offers sweet salvation for those who have given up on heels. The low wedge sandal looks au courant and comfortable. The trick with low heels of any style is to find an interesting and flattering heel shape and enough detail or surface interest that your shoe doesn't recede and kill your outfit. And even a one inch heel will lengthen your legs and flatter them more than something pancake flat.
1.Givenchy's military-inspired back zip mid-heel is one of THE sandals of the season.
2. An eighties-inspired kittten heel in bronze is great with spring's pale clothing palette as well as with jeans. Boutique 9 -$120 ninewest.com
3. The eightes pyramid heel is a new spin on the neutral patent leather work pump. Elie Tahari-$282 couturezappos.com.
4. Tribal influences. The caged look. Works either way. Boutique 9 -$79 ninewest.com.
5. A mid-heel spectator with a sturdy and comfortable walking heel, groovy perforated piping. A good buy now wear now (and later) shoe - $285 couturezappos.com.
6. Burberry's patent leather Court shoe with kitten heel $395 couturezappos.com.
1. Sigerson Morrison's sandal looks like a classic 60's style with a tough, tassled edge -$429 couturezappos.com.
2. Strappy and nude. A mono-match of leather and wedge heel make the foot look smaller and legs look longer. Franco Sarto-$99.95 exclusive to nordstrom.com.
3. Perfectly neutral snakeskin printed leather (goes with anything) and a walkable wedge. Jimmy Choo- $ 665 netaporter.com. OUCH huge $ tag but use this as a guide and interpret at your price.
5. Stuart Weitzman's Pop sandal is a little tribal, a little gladiator in faux python. A goes-anywhere look -$225 nordstrom.com.
6. Faux python and nude suede has an expensive look but costs only $79 ninewest.com.
Jan. 13, 2010
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Already had your fill of wool scarves? Even girls in the deep south have had to wrap themselves up to keep warm during the cold snap of the past few weeks.
What about wearing a scarf as you would a necklace? Tie it differently or buy a new scarf that will work with sweaters now and tees later. Lighter weight scarves in silk, sheer and gauzy cashmere or wool or combinations of woven cottons will twist and cowl and drape to suit your mood. I chose the scarves below because they offer color, texture and pattern but they also tap into key spring trends so they'll have staying power in your wardrobe. I also love the way they are tied. Good ideas.
1. Self explanatory way to tap into the ongoing mania for all things ruffles. Look for lighter weight versions or go for white - one of THE colors for spring/summer and you can max out the wear until the last chilly days of spring. Loop it at your neck to add texture and 'current' to an outfit in one stroke. bloomingdales.com.
2. Not only a great combo of a colorful and timeless paisley print but this silk beauty is tied in an easy cowl that fills in as necklace cum scarf. Dandy as a head scarf to disguise filthy hair days. anthropologie.com
3.The Americana theme continues for spring/summer and that means checks and plaids all over the place. I like the color balance of this style. Wear it now with a gray sweater knowing how great it will look with an easy sweatshirt top, any tee and cardy combo, or spring's number one jacket - anything utility/military in khaki. bloomingdales.com.
4. Pattern mixing and a mash-up of ethnic prints was seen all over the spring runways. This boho deluxe number will work all year. Want less yellow and more russett and navy for now?
Twist your scarf up like a twizzler.
Hold the ends of the scarf one in each hand.
Twist it up tightly and wrap it around your neck placing the ends to the back and then bringing them around to the front.
Tie the ends to off to one side.
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Kendall's Accessories Blog