Loving This Week: The Newest Rocco + Eel Skin Flats

So much new fun in stores. I had a hard time narrowing down my weekly picks to just a handful of items. What made the cut? A new version of the Rocco bag with rose gold accents, stunning eel skin flats, and a fabulous deal on a leather jacket that will get tons of wear for years to come.

Check out all of the goodies from my online shopping cart this week…

1. Alexander Wang Rocco Rose Gold Leather Satchel, $975.00
It’s amazing how they keep coming up with new versions of this handbag each season, and equally amazing that I’m not tired of them yet. This newest release features a lush pale beige leather accented with rose gold hardware. It’s the perfect bag for spring.

5 Can’t Miss Items From the Intermix Sale

I love the smell of a good sale in the morning. Grab a cup of your caffeinated beverage of choice and take a look at these latest sale finds, fresh from the Intermix sale section.

Surprisingly, the sale offerings include a lot of items that will transition well from winter to spring, and maybe even into summer (depending on your location). These are my top picks, based on style and availability of a range of sizes at this sale price…

This piece expertly mixes a hooded shawl shape with sweatshirt fabric for a look that can go from weekend to work and back again.




→ Buy the Skin Shawl Collar Sweat Cardi, $179.00 (was $298.00), at intermixonline.com.

25% Off at Sandro and How To Use It

Just in time for the first week of spring, and the requisite first week of spring shopping spree, modern French fashion label Sandro has released a new coupon code that will get you 25% off your entire order.

Through March 30, use coupon code SPRING25 online (or visit in store) to get 25% off your purchases. Fresh out of ways to use this new discount? I didn’t think so. But, just in case you could use a few ideas, these new spring arrivals are my top picks for how to take advantage of the sale…

This combo cropped sweatshirt with silky under-layer makes for an ultra-chic take on casualwear. Try it with boyfriend jeans and heeled sandals, or skinnies and those Celine-lookalike Birkenstocks.




→ Buy the Sandro Tamma Sweatshirt, $275.00 ($206.25 with coupon), at sandro-paris.com.

3 Exceptional Shirtdress Options for Spring

--By Kim Moshtaghi

The shirtdress is simple, and it is definitely the most comfortable spring trend. Therefore, I love it. When you throw it on you are set for a day and you won’t feel under or overdressed.

The effortless shape makes the shirtdress magical because it allows you to feel a breeze while giving you the creative ability to add a belt and accentuate your waist, as it should be accented. This will be your ultimate go-to dress when you can’t decide what to wear. Even better, designers are taking it a step further and creating shirtdresses in all lengths this season.

It seems weird to start off with a black shirtdress, but this is spectacular. This long and flowy dress creates endless opportunities. For example, try wearing it with sandals or some skyscraper heels to be extra trendy and showcase your spring fashion ready wardrobe. The spread collar makes it almost look like an over the top robe which gives it a fun flair. All you need is a bold tie belt to replace the boring black one when you want to change it up and break up the black look for the warmer months.




→ Buy the BCBGMAXAZRIA Ziata Draped-Front Long Shirtdress, $119.20 (was $298.00), at bcbg.com.

Loving This Week: World’s Best Sweats + a Chunky Silver Bracelet

San Francisco is home to a company that has quickly become known for producing the world’s best hooded sweatshirt. It’s an odd claim to fame, but one that has made this little company that could quite famous. Just recently they started making sweatpants. Of course, I can’t wait to get a pair.

Here’s all the fun that’s hanging out in my online shopping cart this week…

1. American Giant Cropped Gym Sweats, $49.00
The maker of the world’s best hoodie has branched out to sweats. Super stylish gym sweats, to be exact. These are perfect for the lady who has mentally placed yoga pants firmly in the “basic” category (ahem, me). I’ll be sporting these in a barre class soon.

5 New Minimalist Options from Banana Republic

I know how much you all enjoyed the last round of minimalist finds from Banana Republic, so I thought I’d give it another go. I thumbed through the new arrivals section and came up with five brand new options for building a wardrobe of affordable minimalist basics. Check out my latest finds…

1. Banana Republic Cutaway Blazer, $165.00
I know, I’m a sucker for an interesting black blazer. But, really, can you think of a more versatile wardrobe item? What makes this specimen special: a slim, collar-less silhouette with flattering waist darts. It’s perfect for pairing with a tee for a pulled-together, yet relaxed look.

7 Ultra Chic Fringe Shoes for Spring

When you hear “fringe shoes trend” what pops into your head? If your past experience with fringed footwear is anything like mine your mind goes straight to a pair of 1970s-style Minnetonka moccasins. Cozy, yes, but not exactly high style.

This spring’s fringe shoes trend is, refreshingly, much more creative than the fashion word association games I play with myself. Labels from Steve Madden to Prada have found ways to make fringe feel high fashion this season. These are the kind of fringe shoes you can pull on with a pair of skinny jeans and a tee to create an insta-look that will turn heads without vibing trend-obsessed.

I’ve picked a handful of my favorites from my preferred online shoe departments: Nordstrom and Saks. All of these shoes ship free. Let me know what you think…

How do you make fringe look sleek and uptown? Just ask Stuart Weitzman. These fringed sandals are perfection, and also available in black suede.




→ Buy the Stuart Weitzman Lovefringe Suede Sandal, $455.00, at nordstrom.com.

Loving This Week: Pretty Underthings + Cutout Detail Dresses

Warm days here in the San Francisco Area have got me thinking about warm weather fashion. Sandals and sporty loafers are a must, of course. Plus, I’m really loving the cutout details that are all over the virtual racks – rarely does showing skin come in such pretty, age-appropriate packages.

Check out what’s taking up space in my online shopping cart this week…

1. Topshop Sleeveless Cutout Midi Dress, $55.00
I’m surprised how taken I’ve become with the trend of adding tasteful cutouts to dresses. This trend works well for women of all ages and body types – the secret is to choose cutouts that highlight your best assets. This new Topshop dress has small cutouts at the natural waist, which is often the slimmest part of a woman’s body. Paired with the high neckline and midi length hem, these cutouts are alluring and far from tacky. I love this grass green color, but it’s also available a nude shade.

How to Wear the One Shoulder Trend: From Casual to Cocktails

--By Kim Moshtaghi

The blast from the past trends always make an annual appearance at some point. The one shoulder style is all the rage this spring, and you should consider incorporating this style into your fashion routine once you find a designer who can tweak the traditional one shoulder look.

Contrary to me, the one shoulder cut has always been one of my mom’s favorite trends. My mom says, “it is wonderful because it’s sexy and simultaneously classy without being vulgar.” I think my Mom knows something I don’t know. I just discovered that even the bigger chested ladies can wear this trend and partake in this sassy look due to recent trend evolutions. So, it is safe to say this trend has finally eased its way into my heart, although it took years of evolution to convince me.

Although you may want to pass on this trend because you don’t believe it can transition from the office to dinner, trust me you are wrong! You can wear this trend with a loose style shirt under your blazer and no one at your office will know that you are exposing this season’s sexiest body part, the shoulder. Take the jacket off before you hit happy hour and, voila, you are ready!

I figured I would kill two birds with one stone with my first showcase. It actually implements three fashion trends for spring. Check out this yellow, draped, one shoulder top. This top creates a great base for layering because it drapes very long. It’s a wonderful basic shirt that is anything but simple.




→ Buy the Venus One Shoulder Draped Top, $29.00, at venus.com.

Her The Label is the Minimalist Swimwear Line of Your Dreams

Finding a chic, affordable, minimalist swimsuit is a near impossible task. Neon colors and obnoxious patterns are everywhere. The few solid swimsuits seem to be designed for athletes, children, or 80-year-olds. A respectable Celine-loving lady on a Vince budget has few options.

Then there was Her The Label. I ran across this Sydney, Australia-based swimwear label on Pinterest earlier this week and was instantly smitten. The label was founded in 2014 and their first collection is now available, just in time for summer. This newbie brand is rooted in attention to detail, and every piece is carefully crafted in Australia.

The first collection – ‘NAME’ Summer 15 – takes its inspiration from Sydney summers “with a balance of modern classics and delicate colour combinations, bridging the gap between feminine and functional.” I had to quote because, really, there’s no improving on a description like that.

Intrigued? Check out these favorite looks from the debut collection. Keep in mind, while the site shows prices in Australian dollars, they ship worldwide for a very reasonable AUD 20 (about $15.20) for orders under AUD 200. Orders over AUD 200 ship worldwide for free.

Luxe Ethical Retailer Everlane Adds Pants To Their Lineup

Last month I wrote about my newfound love for Everlane, a San Francisco-based purveyor of luxe minimalist basics that is committed to “radical transparency” in manufacturing and pricing. This month, I’m excited to share that Everlane has finally added pants to their offering and they are well worth the wait.

Just this week Everlane revealed their two brand new pants style. True to form, they represent two classic silhouettes that belong in every woman’s wardrobe, and each is available in two neutral shades: black and navy. They really are the perfect pants. I predict I will soon have both in my closet. Check them out…

5 Head-Turning High Neck Dresses

--By Kim Moshtaghi

I love the high neck dress look. It keeps you looking mysterious while allowing you to accentuate your face. Whether you wear your hair in a messy bun, sleek ponytail, or like Gisele’s beach hair, this style of dress rocks the house! Who could forget Sharon Stone’s white sexy number in Basic Instinct? That dress floored every man and every woman who watched that movie.

My first pick is an affordable casual grey flippy tunic. It’s absolutely comfortable and it will look flattering on all body types. Although this dress is casual, you can always play it up with hoop earrings and give yourself JLo flair.




→ Buy the Topshop High Neck Flippy Tunic, $38.00, at topshop.com.

Loving This Week: a Snappy Popover + Jimmy Choo on Sale

Blame it on the changing seasons, or the general feeling of being between fashion collections, but I’m feeling drawn to closet staples these days. Things that won’t feel out of place next season, or even next year. This week I’ve landed on a couple of tops that will wear well now and later, plus shoes that are at the same time stand-outs and completely neutral.

Check out what’s been taking up space in my online shopping cart this week…

1. Azalea Sleeveless Snap Front Top, $69.00
This simple white top is a smart closet staple that can be easily layered on cool days, but is just right as-is during the warmest summer months. I’m particularly fond of the high-low hem and the snaps, rather than buttons, at the closure. It’s the little things that elevate a basic, and this top is a perfect example.

3 Essential Bucket Bags for Spring

--By Kim Moshtaghi

The bucket bag is a fun trend to embrace because it allows you to carry all your essentials in style without looking like you’re headed to the office or the airport. It masks a spacious bag with its cute shape.

Although there are many designers worth showcasing, I plan on showcasing a colorful designer bucket bag and bags that work as a way to complement a pop of color. A gal should invite spring with a proper explosion of color in time to parallel the lovely, blossoming season.

My first feature is a well-rounded bucket bag, literally. It comes in various gorgeous color options such as peach and aqua. My favorite is the snazzy “Leche” color. This color goes with everything while being uber sophisticated. The all over studs on this bag are the same color as the bag so it tones down the trend and allows this bag to be a classic.




→ Buy the Marc By Marc Jacobs Luna Studded Bucket Bag (Bloomingdale's Exclusive), $428.00, at bloomingdales.com.

6 Fresh Minimalist Finds From J.Crew

My ongoing hunt for gorgeous, affordable minimalist finds in unexpected places rolls on. This week, I turned my attention to the land of preppy-meets-hipster-chic: J.Crew.

Don’t get me wrong, I admire the cult of J.Crew as much as the next retail-loving shopaholic. The indomitable duo of Mickey Drexler and Jenna Lyons completely fascinates me. But, I’ve never considered the store known for candy colors as a reliable source of minimalist goods. In fact, I haven’t bought anything from J.Crew in years.

Could I find truly interesting minimalist pieces – something more thought-provoking than khakis and tees – at J.Crew? I was willing to give it a try. I waded through hundreds of new arrivals and settled on these six picks, all of which are interesting and affordable…

1. J.Crew Collarless Cropped Tuxedo Jacket, $198.00
My careful Pinterest stalking of the French Vogue-ettes has reinforced my belief that a black jacket can do no wrong. This particular black jacket gets a modern and sleek feel from the hook-and-eye closure and collarless style. There’s a matching pant, which would create a fabulous Saint Laurent-inspired look. Or, just pair it with jeans and pumps to channel your inner Emmanuelle Alt.

7 Designer Flats That Will Make You Forget Your Pumps

What happens when the top names in pricey pumps turn their talents to flats? Magic.

If you are a fan of flats, or just stuck with heel-less shoes for health reasons, this is your season. The super chic designer offerings have never been better. This past weekend I really took the time to evaluate the high-end flats options at two of my favorite stores for designer shopping: Nordstrom and Saks. I think I’ve successfully uncovered a selection that will make you forget all about your pumps (at least for a bit). Plus, every one of these shoes comes with free shipping…

No longer must you teeter around on pencil-thin heels to take part in the fashion blogger’s favorite shoe. Valentino’s Rockstud is now available in a sleek ballet flat. Much like the heeled version, the flat Rockstud comes in a range of colors, but I find this simple silver on black version the most appealing.




→ Buy the Valentino Noir Rockstud Leather Ballet Flats, $775.00, at saks.com.

Loving This Week: Chic Gingham + Leather Flats Under $65

I was so close to giving up on spring’s big gingham trend. I could not find a single item that didn’t feel like a costume to me. Until this week. Yes, someone actually created chic gingham. I’m in awe.

I’m also mulling a pair of super inexpensive shoes that, surprisingly, don’t have an equal amongst my go-to luxury shoe brands. Gorgeous, cheap shoes that aren’t a knock-off? Unbelievable.

Check out all of the items from my online shopping cart this week…

1. Trademark Henley Dress, $598.00
Gingham prints are the one spring 2015 trend I’m having the hardest time getting behind. The pieces I’ve run into so far feel too precious for my taste, in a Dorothy from Wizard of Oz kind of way. But, this Trademark dress feels chic. Grown up. Modern. All adjectives we rarely associate with gingham. It’s a perfect take on the trend for us gingham-phobes.