Paper or Plastic

Amidst all of the glitz and glam of the holiday season I am craving something decidedly less flashy to carry me into the new year.... yes, pun intended. Hi-Low has had many incarnations, but to me there is something so genius about taking the ultimate utilitarian bags and luxe-ing them up in leather. Now the only question is paper or plastic?

Nice and Neutral

I love color, but neutrals can be just a fun. The key for me is mixing and matching different shades and textures.

Vest, Boots- Gap, Dress-H&M

Leather Bracelets- Gap

Budget Buster vs. Bargain Buy: Neon Lasercut Clutch

Top Left and Bottom Right: Christopher Kane Leather Laser Cut Clutch
Top Right and Bottom Left: Deena and Ozzy Laser Cut Clutch

I love fashion and inevitably each season I develop a mad crush on many of the lovely pieces that float down the runways although I know I will never be able to afford them. It is almost as if the insane price tag makes me covet them even more. One of my favorite designers, Christoper Kane, sent some of the most lust-worthy items down the runway for S/S 11. I was especially smitten with the neon lasercut leather and lace pieces.

 Naturally, my heart skipped a beat last week when I came across a clutch version of the neon lasercut leather sold exclusively on Net-a-Porter. While the $530 price tag is only a fraction of the apparel items in the collection it is still, sadly, WAY out of my budget. Lucky for the bargain hunter in us all Deena and Ozzy has turned out a worthy look-alike that is a mere $39.

When I find a bargain item that helps me recreate the runway looks I love I feel like I have won the lottery. For that reason I have decided to start a new regular feature called Budget Buster vs. Bargain Buy to share my discoveries.

Hope you enjoy!

Photos via Net-a-Porter and Urban Outfitters

Style Taylor Made

My latest style crush is Marie Claire Accessories Editor Taylor Tomasi Hill. Hill's deeply personal; part urban eclectic, part luxe style is mind blowing. She possesses the kind of style I strive for daily, but never seem to achieve. Every Fashion Week she knocks it out of the park and this year has been no exception. For Spring I plan to experiment with some of the key elements of her looks below:

1) Sneakers and Skirts- Hill combines comfort and chic in these standout looks.  The studded Loubs are killing, the utility skirt with tulle is feminine and edgy at once, and the Grey outfit with hints of Turq is divine. This is hands down the look I am most excited to try. 

2) Longer Hemlines- Hill proves that longer hemlines don't have to be dowdy. In fact with the right styling they are downright sexy. Add a killer heel or a little leather, leopard, or lace to do the trick.

3) Splashes of Color- Color is huge for spring and Hill demonstrates how to work it into your look with ease. Go bold with an oversized blazer or add a hint of interest and fun with a colorful clutch. In both cases Hill keeps her look balanced by pairing color with neutrals and keeping the overall look sharp by picking tailored silhouettes.

4) No Nonsense Neutrals- In my book you can never go wrong with neutrals. Hill's pairing of interesting silhouettes in neutral whites, blacks, greys, and olives (my favorite “new” neutral) creates a look that appears effortless as well as chic.

Photos courtesy of Mr. Newton, Jak and Jil, because i'm addicted, citizen couture

All in the details

A little bit of leather goes a long way....
Leather accents give these standard fare outerwear pieces a major dose of attitude.

Ummmmm....I need one NOW!

Photos via Harpers Bazaar, Mr. Newton , and Shopbop