Category Archives: accessories

yay or nay: the chic fanny pack

fannypack, chic fanny pack, fashion fanny pack, stylish fanny pack, stylish fannypack

| Petit Fannypack, Clare Vivier |

Historically, I’ve always been pretty opposed to the fanny pack, even an admittedly chic-ish version such as this. The name, for one thing – it’s just awful, isn’t it? Also, I feel like once Carrie Bradshaw has done it, the rest of us just shouldn’t. And then there’s the simple fact that drawing more eyes toward my belly isn’t high on my list of sartorial goals. chic fanny pack

But having just adopted a second dog, I can tell you that the idea of something that doesn’t threaten to careen off my shoulder and into a waiting pile of…well, you know…every time I lean over to clean up someone’s mess is looking more appealing every day.

My question to you is this: Would you? I mean, not to the opera, but for weekend coffee jaunts, etc?

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q & a: talking summer scarves with nicole feix of lilogi

 lilogi-1

Leigh & Luca, Mary Katrantzou & Horiyoshi the Third, all available at Lilogi

Just because it’s summer, don’t think for a second that my scarf collection is on sabbatical. Frankly, I’m freezing darn near all the time – but there’s also that constant flow of A/C, chilly evening air and San Francisco’s highly unpredictable weather to contend with. So, while I might switch from cashmere to cotton, linen and silk, my scarves are still getting a serious workout this season. summer scarves

If there’s anyone I know who’s a bigger scarf addict than yours truly, it’s Nicole Feix. She’s the founder of Lilogi, also known as My Happy Place. It’s a fantastic online boutique entirely dedicated to scarves (and which, PS, has a pretty amazing sale section). She carries some of the most extraordinary pieces, with a flawless mix of names I know and love, and new lines I’m always thrilled to discover. She was kind enough to let me pick her brain about my all-time favorite accessory, and offered up all sorts of wisdom about how to wear, choose and store your scarves year round! Read on

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quick pick: anya hindmarch escapist collection

Every now and then, you just need something that makes you smile. And I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure I’d giggle to myself whenever I pulled one of these cheeky escape artists out of my handbag.

anya-hindmarch-escapist

Escapist Collection, Anya Hindmarch

Truly, how could you be in a bad mood looking at these? The collection is inspired by Saul Steinberg, but I can’t help thinking of Shel Silverstein too. Can’t you just imagine this little fellow trying to make off with your iPad?

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on my radar: spratters & jayne

spratters-&-jayne, via shopping's my cardio

If there’s an advantage to a nationwide cold spell so gut-wrenching it gets its own nickname, it’s that you have a perfectly good excuse to upgrade your cold-weather gear. I was introduced to Spratters & Jayne recently, and must confess…I’m wishing for a bit of a polar vortex in my part of the world, just so I’d have an excuse to stock up on some of this chunky knit goodness. Particularly that swirl beret, which would be an excellent way to hide my messy hair on a no-wash day.

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weekend forecast

Casa SMC has been Casa Crazy this week, my friends. Work is piling up (but that’s a good thing, right?), and I’m already swimming in holiday ideas for our gift guides. Lucky thing, since Hanukkah starts in…four weeks?! No pressure. Just wait until you see what I have up my sleeve – this year’s going to be the best yet!

Besides working my un-manicured little fingers to the bone, here’s what I’ll be up to this weekend: Read on

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currently coveting: everlane leather

everlane leather, via shopping's my cardio

I’ve been an admirer of Everlane for the longest time, but it’s been one of those long-distance celeb crushes. You know, I check out their website obsessively, ogle all of the new goodies, and fantasize about which pieces would look best in my closet (hint: all of them). They’re hard to resist – it’s that perfect storm of a small selection, beautifully-designed styles, and unbelievably reasonable prices (thanks to their insistence on keeping an eagle eye on production, which I also happen to love).

So when they emailed to tell me about their new leather collection? My heart skipped a beat, and it’s not just because my crush actually called me! These new leather goods are good, my friends – they’re well-constructed, intelligently designed and built for years of use.  Read on

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six fall scarves worth splurging on right now (and a few steals)

This morning, I put on my first scarf of the season, and I’ll admit – I was a little giddy about it. Sure, I love the patterns, the soft textures, the way they fall just so. But if I’m honest? Mostly, I’m excited because this brings me one day closer to the time of year when I can basically wear the same outfit every day. I add a different scarf and, not only does no one know, but I never fail to get compliments. I’m telling you, friends – get an arsenal of fall scarves together, and your wardrobe worries are history.

The trick with scarves is to go big and light – I’m talking huge, voluminous scarves with soft textures and stunning patterns. Why? Well first, the bigger the scarf, and the lighter the fabric, the easier it is to wear – just wrap copiously, and let the fabric drape the way it wants to. Next, look for big color and striking, intricate details. Adding color near your face makes you look younger – I swear, it’s true – and brings out your eyes in the way a grey cardigan sadly never will. Plus, when you’re wearing a work of art, the rest of the outfit just sort of blends seamlessly into the background. So, you can wear that black Vince tunic sweater three times in a week, and no one’s the wiser.

Sure, getting that oversized, light-as-air, gorgeously-patterned scarf often means a splurge…but I’ve snuck a few steals into the mix too.  Read on

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on my radar: stylyt

I got the sweetest email not so long ago from the founders of Stylyt, and I loved their concept so much, I had to share. On the site, members submit ideas for new designs they’d like to see from a select group of labels. The rest of the members vote, and the winning ideas actually get produced and sold on Stylyt. So, if you love those signature Hayden-Harnett studded cuffs, for instance, but always wished for a different color combo? Done!

But my heart really sings for these sweet little enamel pendants by Brandy Pham, a designer that’s the darling of style blogs these days. Done up in rose gold (you know I can never resist rose gold), you can go for the girly ribbon bar pendant, with a bit of sparkle thanks to the glittered enamel, or the slightly edgier thorn pendant with milky white enamel. Both do a great job of standing alone, but are also pretty perfect for layering (especially the thorn, which I think is just begging to be paired with a classic pearl necklace for fall). And the prices are fantastic – $88 for a beautifully-made, wear-with-anything piece that none of your friends will have? Done.

Brandy Pham for Stylyt, via shopping's my cardio

I can’t possibly choose. Do you have a favorite?

Take a peek at Stylyt…I think you’ll love it as much as I do.

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