(a little warning:  we’re going to talk bras now, and there are pictures.  so maybe that makes this NSFW, if your boss is a prude…)

with summer fast approaching, invisible underpinnings are going to suddenly go from an ideal to an absolute necessity.  i don’t know about you, but i’m a little past the point in my life at which i want my black bra visible under the thin, tissue-weight tees i’ll be sporting all summer.

but “invisible” is fraught with trouble, too.  i don’t much care for spanx (i know i’m in the minority here), and most other base pieces designed to disappear are utterly unattractive.  plus, “nude” usually means some version of a pinkish peach shade that doesn’t actually match anyone’s skin that i know.

but imagine.  just imagine a company that not only makes them pretty, but also makes them functional.  oh, and they can actually match your skin tone!  this might just be the coolest concept in bras since the push-up.

the company is myskins, and when they gave me the chance to test out their line, i jumped at it (of course!).  they’ll mail you a color chart (or you can just print one online, as i did) to check your skin tone against their options.  pick a color, order your normal size in any of their 3 styles (i found the bras ran very true to size, but size up on the bottoms), and before you know it, a bra perfectly matched t your skin will appear at your door.

myskins sent me the t-shirt bra to test out, and i will say it managed to vanish under even my tissue-iest of tissue tees.  it was really comfy, matched my skin almost perfectly and gave just the right amount of oomph.  the wavy edges confused me at first, but they do a great job of making the seams disappear.  i was also a little worried about the padding levels (yes, i’m easily traumatized), but they were, as goldilocks would say, just right.

full disclosure: i also tried the girl shorts and, while i had high hopes, i wasn’t quite as in love with those.  but i’d chalk that up to the fact that i never end up loving seamless bottoms (can we stop saying “panty,” please?), which tend to move around too much.  and well, i’m just a cotton kind of girl at heart.  that said, sometimes comfort has to take an, um, back seat…and i’m a staunch opponent of the VPL, so i’m willing to suffer a bit for fashion.

ultimately, these are just about my favorite new “every day” bra – i’m planning to order at least one more any day now.  at $48 each, the pricing compares with most of my other bras, and the fit and function are definitely superior.  if nothing else, they’ve saved me the trauma of the lingerie dressing room, and i’ll take that deal any day.

i completely forgot to tell you all about the beautiful earrings i found a few weeks back at una, one of my favorite portland shops.  i fell for them instantly – the simplicity, delicacy, and hand-forged details – and something told me i was going to love everything the designer had to offer.

i was right.  i ran right home, checked out shelli markee’s website, and fell hard for her style.  it’s all very simple but striking, architectural and line-based – as if she took the most elaborate designs out there, and reduced them to their simplest elements.  oh, and the prices are excellent (nearly everything is under $100)

i chose the simplest style, her drop earring (left).  i love that it feels like i took a teensy step toward hip with these, but it’s not a scary step.  i wear them all the time, and am already plotting my next pick from her collection (i’m thinking it will be the silver studs below).

if you love them too, you can order any style from the very sweet owner of una, miss giovanna, at unashop at yahoo dot com, who has assured me she’ll be glad to take any and all orders for shelli markee’s designs.  i’m sure you could also order from shelli herself (who, by the way is wonderful, and was happy to take the time to refinish my earrings for free after i foolishly doused them in tarn-x).

oh my…i didn’t even know how much i loved allsaints until i heard they’d just started selling in the US.

generally, i try to avert my eyes when it comes to things across the pond that i simply can’t have (anything in the toast catalog, for example).  but now that allsaints is available not only stateside, but online, i’m free to get as giddy as i want.  and seriously, there’s a lot to be giddy about.

from left to right, by row: port crew jumper, $120; cassiopeia dress, $250; college cardigan, $120; lumix hoodie, $125; suesha cardigan, $135; dory dress, $120; willow cardigan, $135; imogen shoe, $225.

and i didn’t even get started on the accessories!

every piece is just so perfectly “basic plus” – the kind of piece that seamlessly jumps right into your wardrobe, and manages to elevate all of your looks.

and, in case you needed more reason, allsaints is offering free shipping right now to celebrate the launch of their US site!  just keep in mind that the clothes are available stateside, but the sizing is still british.  that’s code for having to jump two sizes up from your normal size (ie, if you’re an 8, you’re a 12 in the UK).  torture, i know…but that’s the price of fashion.

so, what do you think of allsaints?

happy friday, everyone!  in honor of mother’s day, i thought i’d take the opportunity to introduce you to one of my latest obsessions, since it happens to be from a mother-daughter design team!  

exotics are huge right now, so it’s no surprise these bold, bright totes from beirn are all the celeb rage, but i’m after them for a different reason. while most exotics will set you back thousands, rita (mom) and her daughters ali and jenna are designing these beautiful, authentic watersnake skin bags, and selling them for about $300.  leave it to a family as stylish as theirs to create the ultimate irresistible handbag!

and it is pretty irresistible, in fact.  the skins are smooth and extremely durable for snakeskin (which can be notoriously delicate).  unlike python, a watersnake is much smaller, of course, so the skins are sewn together in strips, but it’s all done in a way that enhances the design.  in the end, it works perfectly.

exotic excitement aside, they’re just great, classic tote style in a rainbow of gorgeous, deeply-saturated colors, and light as a feather!  in my book, that adds up to the ultimate summer bag.

grab styles at piperlime or at shop clothesline (more colors, but a bit pricier at $315)- or, if you’re quick, looks like there are a few at bluefly!  my favorite is the jenna bag (above) – i just love that longer, casual style right now, and that cobalt blue is seriously calling my name.

just goes to show that moms and their daughters are the perfect team, don’t you think?  happy mother’s day, everyone!

*editor’s note:  don’t forget to enter our amazing mother’s day giveaway!

i am so thrilled today to introduce one of my favorite handbag designers, adriana castro.  born in colombia, adriana now lives and designs in miami, creating stunning bags in every color imaginable, entirely from sustainably-raised exotic leathers.  the results are striking, updated classics that you’ll never tire of.

for those of you lucky enough to be in the NYC area, adriana is making a personal appearance at henri bendel today from 11am – 6pm, where devoted fans can meet her, see her newest designs, and even custom design a bag with adriana!  i think i would faint with excitement.

for the rest of us, adriana was kind enough to sit down and answer a few questions about her designs, her style, and those beautiful exotic leathers!  click over at the right to check out the entire interview (yes, we’re trying something new…).

Read the rest of this entry »

i just love finding new designers…and i love it even more when their designs are actually attainable by mere mortals.  alas, the planets rarely align that well.  so when i fell in love with amanda rudey’s jewelry designs, i braced myself for a hefty pricetag.  but, wonder of wonders, they’re gorgeous and actually affordable!  after graduating from harvard with a degree in sociology (almost as useless as my BA in english), amanda realized she needed a way to earn a living.  she wandered into a bead store one day, and the results were fortuitous…for her and for us.

i think my favorite design is her iolite “circus hoop” ring (above).  it’s a gorgeous everyday piece that’s sure to win you compliments at every turn – and it retails for $125.  for a dressier look, the iolite-and-chain cornelia earrings (also available with other stones) would be absolutely perfect with your LBD, and just the thing to dress up a more casual sundress for evening – quite a feat, especially for $150!  the necklace is a bit pricier ($318), but it’s exactly the piece i look for to soften a conservative office look – i’d put this with a button-down shirt and blazer, or use it to dress up a v-neck top and jeans.

to check out the entire line, you can go to amanda’s website – and to buy, head to charm and chain.  what do you think…are you as smitten as i am?

ooh, and the lovely owner of charm & chain just alerted me that you can get 15% amanda’s collection (and the entire site) with code aprilflowers.  in case you needed a little more incentive!

for my readers who are less into the girly and frilly and more into high-functioning mod styles, allow me to introduce you to my latest find:  hlaska.  i actually considered saving this one for father’s day, because i so love their men’s offerings.  but the truth is that their women’s bags are pretty fantastic too.

designed in san francisco by a team of industrial designers, of all things, the entire collection at hlaska is strong in structural leanings, and focused on functionality.  take, for example, their women’s metric computer case (left, $100+).  for literally years, i have been looking for a slim laptop sleeve with handles that could be put over the shoulder.  there are loads of options with tote straps, or messenger straps, but nothing to just sit snugly under your arm.  hlaska, geniuses that they are, have come up with exactly that – in three different sizes, so your laptop will be snug as the proverbial bug.  

the piece that originally attracted me to hlaska is that darling little presidio clutch (pictured at top, $205).  the bag takes its styling cues from the golden gate bridge, which makes sense as soon as you see it.  i’ve had the chance to test drive this one, and honestly, it’s love.  i do admit that i wish it were a bit larger, but it’s absolutely perfect for a business lunch – stash a wallet and a few necessities inside, and there’s no need to lug a huge handbag in your wake.  plus, the colors are just beautiful in person, thanks to the vegetable-dyed leathers.

some other favorites:  i just love their vertex overnighter, a limited edition made from a specially-commissioned swedish fabric which just feels so retro and fun, it has me dying to throw this one into the back of a convertible and head off on holiday…with the matching train case, naturally.  oh yes, and the evergreen briefcase (in natural) which, despite being in the men’s section, is maybe the most perfect briefcase for a woman that i’ve ever encountered.  the designers actually embossed wood grain into the leather, creating a pretty amazing effect.  that one’s a bit of a splurge, but truly, these bags are just beautifully made, and every detail is attended to.  i have no doubt you’ll live a long and happy life with any of them.

check out all of the offerings at hlaska’s website - and let me know what you think!

i’m fortunate enough to work in an environment that allows me to wear denim almost every day.  and, while i’m profoundly grateful for this, the reality is that i get a little sick of sporting my favorite jeans day in and day out (not to mention how sick my co-workers must be of seeing them!).  but i just couldn’t let go of the comfort factor…or the fact that buying trousers that fit me properly is the stuff of nightmares.

thank goodness i was recently introduced to designer kate mchale.  she’s taken everything i love about denim and translated those traits to a trouser that’s chic, stylish and professional.  as with denim, styles are available in a range of rises and cuts (i’d recommend staying conservative if these are headed for the office).  and instead of different washes, you can choose from a variety of colors and/or patterns.  but they still fit like your favorite jeans – it’s a very contoured, comfortable fit, and the fabric is not unlike a spandex-infused denim.  and, as with denim, i’m going to urge you to steer clear of any colors that are too creative – stick to neutrals, please (or that fantastic retro plaid above!).

my favorites are the patricia, with its mod flared leg and cuff, and the sara, which looks like a very classic straight leg that will be gorgeous with heels (and note that office-friendly rise).  or go with the winfield for a classic boot cut fit.  whichever you choose, you’ll be strolling around your office looking like your usual fashion-plate self, only so much more comfy!

normally, mchale’s designs rival your designer denim at about $200/pair.  but she’s kindly extending a whopping 30% discount to shoppingsmycardio readers through christmas.  at that price, you might even consider picking up a second pair to gift!  use code KMPANTS to score this deal, and you’ll be the envy of all your friends.

designed by lynne hiriak, CARDIGAN has taken the fashion scene by storm this season.  her signature, not surprisingly, is ultra-cozy knitwear, including super-thick wool sweaters, and gorgeous cardigans.

i’m determined to add at least one piece from her collection to my wardrobe this season, as i have no doubt her prices will double by this time next year.  it’s a tough call…and i could use some input from my dear readers.

there’s this gorgeous 3/4 sleeve open cardigan ($195) that i positively adore for its draping.  it also comes in a stunning royal blue and a classic black, but i think the heather grey really shows off the silhouette, which is special enough to deserve center stage.

i happened upon this striped boatneck sweater ($245) in a local boutique, and it was love at first sight.  once again, it’s the detail of the silhouette that makes this special.  i love the wide boatneck that drapes perfectly over your shoulders, making this actually quite sexy for a baggy wool sweater.  it’s perfect to throw on over jeans for a dose of effortless style on even the most frigid day.  you can also pick this up in white with royal blue stripes, or in a lovely sweater dress/tunic style.

for something a little more uptown, i almost can’t believe i’m so in love with this cardigan with the built-in scarf detail ($250).  button up and tie it in a bow, or leave it open and drape the scarf casually around your neck – either way, you’re roasty toasty warm, and right on trend this fall.

hard call, don’t you agree?  keep your eye out for more greats from this up-and-comer but, in the meantime, which of her current pieces is your fave?

martin is a label near and dear to the hearts of fashion editors everywhere, who mourned designer anne johnston albert’s departure from the scene a few years back to raise some kids and get some air in frigid massachusetts.  fortunately for all, she’s back – and better than ever. 

albert’s capsule collection is nothing short of a mini-wardrobe:  a grouping of pieces so versatile and stylish that a complete set would relegate those “nothing to wear” days to ancient history.  each piece is designed to be the best of its breed, making its brethren pale in comparison.  they’re classics, it’s true – but each has the perfect dose of style to make it anything but ordinary.

hands down, my favorite piece from the line is the moleskine military jacket ($495). i love the classic silhouette with the slightly off-kilter details that make it really unique, like the off-center placket and the single patch pocket.  dress up jeans, layer it over a dress, or top off a chic cropped trouser – this is a piece that won’t see much time on the inside of your closet.

martin’s long-sleeved tee ($90) is perfection itself: flattering wide neckline, perfect length, tissue-thin fabric (or choose the heavyweight heather grey for a different look). this is layering genius at its finest.

even martin’s denim is perfectly precise – and it’s what she’s best known for.  choose a matchstick skinny ($178) or my favorite, a wide-legged trouser jean ($195), or both.  both are impeccably stylish, and designed to be infinitely versatile – a combination i’ll welcome into my wardrobe with open arms.

and, for a little uptown chic, check out her gorgeous black satin tie dress ($285).  the u-shaped neckline is flattering without being revealing, and the built-in ties allow for several different styling options.  the satin keeps this one dressy enough for cocktails, but throw on a denim jacket, scarf and a chunky necklace, and you have a hot downtown look too.

nab these new classics while they last…you never know when albert will call it quits and head back into hibernation!