Bib Necklace by Niika S featuring Miu Miu

Dear Oligoville Editor:

I love the new bib necklaces but I can’t figure out how to work them into my everyday wardrobe. My closet is more business (and business casual) than ballroom. Is it possible to wear a statement piece without making, well, too much of a statement? Please help!

Sincerely,
Scared Bib-less

Fall by Fashion Me Fabulous featuring Aquascutum

Dear Scared–

When in doubt about the statement you’re making at work, always use your “inside” voice. In other words, the key to wearing a bib necklace–or any other attention-getting necklace–Monday through Friday is to keep the rest of your outfit simple. Think solid-colored tees and tanks, preferably with a higher neckline so the fabric forms a nice backdrop to the necklace and tones down the formality a bit.  If you are in the mood for a little pattern, keep it on the bottom half in similar colors to your necklace, so your jewelry and clothing complement rather than compete with each other.

I think bib necklaces also add great sparkle under a monochromatic suit. Try a demure shawl or portrait collar, so you don’t have to wear a layering piece, and the suit lapels can act as a frame for the sparkler. And unless you’re heading to a wedding or other fancy fete, go for matte rather than sheen in your suiting fabric.

I Love You by TheBradlo featuring Vince

Finally, steer clear of any other jewelry, even if you are whipping out your necklace for a soiree. (Engagement and wedding rings are, of course, the exception to the rule.) I promise you that your piercings won’t close up if you skip earrings this one time, and you can tell the time just as easily from your cell phone (or someone else’s wrist) as from your watch.

I never thought I’d do this, but I’m going to borrow a phrase from Forest Gump and leave you with this last piece of advice for working these eyecatchers into everyday–simple is as simple does.  And you dear one, now know the trick for being simply stunning!

There are only a few remaining weeks left of summer. Stores have already begun transitioning into fall fashions and most people have ceased adding clothes to their summer wardrobes. But, what is the one thing a woman needs year round? Jewelry.

Robynn Molino’s Jewelry is a great find. Not only can these unique pieces be worn all four seasons but they can also be the accessory at an event that every other woman envies. This Los Angeles jeweler has conjured up a new ring design. The letters located at the top of the rings are touch tone keypad buttons. Ranging in color from jet black to mint green, these rings are anything but unnoticeable.

While Molino’s rings offer more of the “Wow” factor, the earrings have a more subtle approach about grabbing people’s attention. At first glance each earring looks like a simple, feminine earring, but take a closer look and you notice its intricate design. Some of the delicate earrings in this line resemble flowers in bloom or a sea shells found on the beach.

No matter which style you prefer, Robynn Molino’s jewelry line has something for everyone, for every event and, of course, for every season.

Giddy up girls, this week The Cut Reports that, “Wendy Nichol is three seasons into her eponymous line and can already count Scarlett Johansson and models Kim Noorda and Elizabeth Jagger among her many fans.

Not too shabby, considering she is completely self-taught. Following a four-year stint as a buyer and designer at Club Monaco, Nichol left to pursue her own label, which debuted in fall ’08. Her first collection was a mix of tough leather cuffs, feminine pearl necklaces, and delicate rings, all accented with her now-trademark studs. Nichol’s youngest daughter, Sofia, served as the look-book model, glammed up with red lips and perfecting a pose worthy of a Jurgen Teller–shot Little Marc ad. Nichol shopped the pieces around and landed at Brooklyn’s Bird.

Fast forward a year later and the likes of Bergdorf and Barneys Co-op are stocking the ever-expanding line, which now also includes bags. Citing cowboys and Native Americans as her main inspiration, Nichol’s fall collection consists of fringed clutches and horsehair-accented jewelry named after chiefs and princess, outlaws, and notable cowboys and cowgirls. The addition of chains and spikes toughen up Western-inspired pieces, giving it a slick urban vibe. Prices begin at $100 for small studded earrings and top out at $700 for a large fringed saddle bag, with all items sourced and constructed locally. Check out some of our favorite looks from her line.”

These remind me of a classier version of a Cowboys/Indians party I went to freshman year at college. Emphasis on classier.

Well Ms. Nichols’ fabulous pieces may set you back a penny or two, I found some great mock-offs that are recession and fashion friendly.

How about this leather and stone  necklace from – Tar- zjay?

Yes mam, that is just a little more than a frozen yogurt and a Coke Zero.

And this bag is extremely versatile from Urban Outfiters:

It appears the Urban Cowgirl is  just so cute that even the surfers and Yankees will participate.

So – What are your favorite designer pieces? Mock-offs?

This trend might just stay as long as the deer and antelope play.

XOXO

A classic fashionista knows how to pull off a look that is modern, American, and timeless. These fashion femmes know that trends come and go, but an essential, edited look is here to stay. They choose solid colors, bold accessories, and classic cuts. From the days of Audrey Hepburn longing outside the doors of Tiffany’s to Michelle Obama bouncing out of burger joints in our nation’s capital, a put-together look can never go wrong. When shopping, classic chicks opt for quality over quantity. Gals with classic style often have a signature look that they repeat time and time again, check out Audrey’s timeless black look that never went out of style:

Get the Look: Tailored Jeans, Trench Coats, Classic Suit, Knee-high Boots, Black Pumps, Pea Coats, White Work Shirt, Pencil Skirts, Little Black Dress, Floral Summer Dresses, Black, Tailored Well-Fitting Clothes

Celeb Inspiration: Audrey Hepburn, Katie Holmes, Michelle Obama, Kate Winslet, Reese Witherspoon, Gwenyth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson

Where to Shop: J Crew, Gap, Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren, Tory Birch, Nordstroms, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, 

As always, no matter what your style is, in the words of Mr. Doonan himself, “SAY NO TO HO! … and yes to ECCENTRIC GLAMOUR.”

It’s officially summertime and as our wardrobe shrinks as the weather warms up, so do our purses. Box clutches are a modern, flirty way to shake up the traditional evening handbag.  These clutches are designed in all colors and styles to satisfy your mood so you can change up your look as often as your flavor of the week.

And there are some very excentric pieces out there.

Vogue.com highlighted the Lavin (above on left) in their uber popular trend report, I must concur on their selection it is truly a jewel – very mod meets legally blonde – in Paris of course.

Even Fendi pulled out the stops for an extremely feminine boxed clutch reminiscent of patterns from our grandmother’s days but I must admit is a stunning piece and had I the extra capitol I would certainly add this to my collection. Will blog for Fendi. Really.

One credited fashionista divulges, “With a satin front, black leather lining and silver tone trim, this clutch is surely a head turner. Besides the price, the only thing I am not a fan of is the fastening top; it just doesn’t fit with the rest of the bag. But, I might be able to look past that and go back to focusing on the fact that I actually found a flirty Fendi bag I wouldn’t mind carrying around,” and continues “Fendi’s glory days date back to Sex and the City. This multicolored box clutch has what I certainly consider to be gorgeous hand stitched and painted cotton flower detailing. ”

Calvin Klein designed this summer clutch that pains both our hearts and our wallets.  A fellow fashion writer reveals her love affair with this particular purse worth purse-uing. (Ok, too much?)

“This enamel box clutch nearly knocked me off my feet today when I saw it. Constructed with sturdy enamel, the rectangular-shaped evening bag is decorated with floral ornamentation and lined in suede. The bag features a back wall slip pocket and closes at the top with a clasp. The silver Enamel Box Clutch is very New Wave and perfectly compliments any Friday night out you have planned. Luckily it’s payday for most of us, because the bag will cost you $1500 at Zappos.”

Moving on from a Friday evening to Saturday Night Fever.

“Disco fever has hit over at Anya Hindmarch headquarters, meet this tribute to the past, the Disco Box Clutch! Anya Hindmarch, known for her bright, bold designs and pretty leather goods presents to us something rather… odd.”

This designer went off -brand to bring us another fun, unique and un-recession-friendly box clutch, but perfect for the retro chic.

 ”Here’s a clutch that is not only an essential holder but can also double as a decent-sized mirror for its owner. So a combination of the two most popular metallic’s form this pint-sized box, what do you gals think about this? Personally, I believe this piece should have made its debut… in the 70’s! I apologize to any fans of this clutch, but unless I find this sitting lonely at the clearance section, (that’s with an extremely reduced price tag of course) this glimmery piece won’t be found pictured within my bag collection. This petite accessory measures in at 7” x 4” x 1” and carries a hefty price tag of $460!”

So what did we learn today?

Box Clutches= Fabu!

Their Price  Tags= Not so much.

If you want to clutch any of these clutches you had better be a TFB (Park Cities TLA (three letter acronym) lingo for Trust Fund Baby) or have a very serious credit line.

Now back to my DVR recording of Oprah’s 2009 money episode.

XOXO

Last week we took inspiration from Simon Doonan and asked, what’s your eccentric glamour? We took a look at Bohemian Chic style, now it’s time to rock out and ask, are you a rocker chic fashionista?

Good style and good music has always been a match made in heaven. From Beatles’ hair, to Madonna’s tulle, to Amy Winehouse’s rocker-mess, musicians have a profound influence on style. The rocker chic look consists of black, dark sunglasses, fringed scarves, chunky jewels, and a lot of attitude. Designers from all over the spectrum—Chanel to Alexander Wang—embrace and create rocker chic masterpieces. It doesn’t matter if you don’t bang the drums or listen to bands with names like “The Bloody Knife,” rocker-style is an infusion of your own personality and original style. Rocker style can be borrowed or incorporated into any ‘fit. Remember to always rock out with your heart out.

Get the Look: Tight Black Pants, Wayfarer Sunglasses, Fitted Jeans, Band T-shirts, Leather, Silver Studs, High Boots, Fedoras, Chunky Silver Jewlery, Skull Accents, High Black Heels, Studded/Big Buckled Belts, Converse, Hippy Hair

Celeb Inspiration: Audrina Patridge, Gwen Stefani, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Kelly Osbourne, Lady Gaga, Pink

Where to Shop: Independent Designers, Vintage/Second Hand Stores, Urban Outfitters, Rock & Republic, Levis, Top Shop, H&M, LAMB, American Apparel

 As always, no matter what your style is, in the words of Mr. Doonan himself, “SAY NO TO HO! … and yes to ECCENTRIC GLAMOUR.”

I fell in love yesterday. It was instant, head-over-heels, weak-in-the-knees love. I was casually shopping at Nordstroms, merely browsing just enjoying a beautiful weekend. I bought a new pair of sunglasses (Gold Ray Ban Aviators, so fabulous!) and then headed over to the ladies department. That’s when we met. I browsed past boring racks of things I couldn’t afford and then stumbled upon the top du jour–this gorgeous, breathtakingly beautiful Matty M Appliqué Garden Halter Top.

It was like Spring was yelling out to me, “Hello, I’m here!” It’s a halter, racerbacked silky crepe blue beauty. It has whimsical embroidered floral detailing and an elastic hem bottom. (It comes in various other colors too.) I was speechless. I imagined summer garden parties, warm spring evenings, and picnics in the park.

Unfortunately, my wallet strings prevented me from bringing my love home, but it’s my birthday on Sunday . . . fingers crossed!

]]> http://www.oligoville.com/2009/04/06/glorious-spring-gardens/feed/ 0 http://www.oligoville.com/2009/03/09/were-mad-for-plaid/ http://www.oligoville.com/2009/03/09/were-mad-for-plaid/#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:00:21 +0000 shylab http://www.oligoville.com/?p=3837

As it turns out cowboys and truckers are on the cutting edge of fashion. (Who knew?!) They’ve been rocking plaid flannel shirts from the time I was in diapers. As the latest runway shows are proving, the madness for everything covered in plaidness is here to stay. Even though the trendsters picked up on it first, everyone from girly girls to soccer moms are rocking out this season’s hottest print.

This Nola Bella necklace is a quintessential piece to keep you on the cutting edge of the plaid fad. Nola handcrafts cotton blends of plaid fabrics into this chunky knotted masterpiece. Hung from a sturdy chain, this piece paired with jeans and a white tee will amp your ‘fit from fearful to fearless.

San Francisco based designer, Jill Scharmen draws inspiration from decades got past–the 60s and 80s. Above all, she remains truest to her roots as a 70s flower-power girl. (Oh, How I adore and miss that deep-rooted hippiness from my hometown!) When purchasing a Nola Bella piece designed by Jill herself, you can rest assured that it’s a one of kind, compliment catching, killer design.

P.S. Be sure to check out our giveaway this week. Nola Bella is hooking us up with the most gorgeous Spring necklace ever. Its easy to participate. Register or Login and leave your comment in the giveaway section. Good Luck!!!

Not everything is doom and gloom in the fashion world these days. Couture designers introduced some girlie, some bold and some down right gorgeous collections in an effort to revitalize our closets and the economy. With shoppers holding back on spending, it just makes sense to achieve the look through accessories instead.

For example, a beautiful evening clutch is far cheaper than a party dress and it is an accessory that will add sass to on outfit many seasons to come.

I’ve compiled some of the season’s greatest trends. This is the fourth in a series of Spring/Summer accessory reports that will help you make sense out of the most recent runway collections from around the world.

So you are looking at what I call the Futuristic trend. Balenciaga sent some bare faced beauties down the runway wearing some Sci-fi inspired outfits. Neutral palettes of gray, powder blue and black dominated but before you decide to give this a thumbs down and vow never to wear a spacesuit, I would like to show you that the accessories inspired from this trend are just too cool to pass up.

Think black and silver accessories along with peep toe ankle sandals. Pull that metallic leather purse out of your closet again. This is your chance to spruce up a ho hum 2008 outfit and take it into the very next century.

Simple and sleek silver tone jewelry will be making its comeback after years of golden dominance.  I give this trend two thumbs up!