Trend Worth Trying: Bold Patchwork Details

--By Kim Moshtaghi

Patchwork gives fashion a bold twist, and gives any look major swagger. I just adore the eclectic look of this trend. With such color, and sometimes fabric, versatility, patchwork gives an outfit more character.

This first feature is hot! I love the fact that both patchworks are black and white, making this easier to match. It’s a classic shirt that pairs well with bold colors and patterns. The patchwork will not overwhelm, and the floral contrasted with the polka dot is on point!




→ Buy the Marc By Marc Jacobs Jordyn Surplus Patchwork Tee, $148.00, at bloomingdales.com.

Shopaholic-Worthy Summer Finds From Whistles

Every time I see something from the London-based Whistles label I can’t help but think of the original Confessions of a Shopaholic book. Becky loved her Whistles. So do I.

Not familiar with Whistles? Here are the basics. This well-known contemporary label went through a bit of a reinvention in 2008, under the direction of CEO Jane Shepherdson, and is now a darling of fashion editors. Lately, the styles have been sleek, modern, and refined with many minimalist-leaning styles. US-based shoppers can find Whistles on their official site, via Bloomingdales, or on a handful of UK-based sites that ship to the US.

It’s been a while since I browsed through Whistles, so I hit up both their official site and Bloomingdales to see what’s new. I definitely found some winners. Check out my Shopaholic-worthy summer finds…

This asymmetric dress is stunning in every way. The rich poppy color is to die for. The shape is effortless, yet beautiful. I can barely stand it. Must. Have. Dress.




→ Buy the Whistles Marisa Draped Dress, $224.00 (was $280.00), at whistles.com.

5 Modern Denim Deals from the SSENSE Sale

This is quickly turning into the week that revolves around the SSENSE sale. And why not? Snagging designer deals is my favorite shopping activity, and the SSENSE sale is one of the best places to find a lot of designer merchandise marked down all at once.

Yesterday I called out seven high-end designer handbags that have been marked down. Today, I’m turning my attention to my personal favorite wardrobe item: jeans! I investigated the goods and culled my list to five pair that strike the right balance between good looks and great sale price. Check them out…

First, a smart buy on true designer denim. These runway-ready Saint Laurent jeans are still pricey, even on sale. But, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find a pair of on-trend luxury designer jeans marked down this far anywhere else.




→ Buy the Saint Laurent Blue Flared Jeans, $414.00 (was $690.00), at ssense.com.

7 Designer Handbag Steals from the SSENSE Sale

The SSENSE Sale is easily one of my favorites of the year. I’m already deeply in love with SSENSE’s minimalist-leaning designer selection, which is only made better by deep discounts of up to 50%.

I spent a couple hours plowing through 80 pages of deals. No, really, I did. Here are my favorite designer handbag deals. I’m hoping to share more favorite finds later in the week.

I’ve been crushing on these new reversible totes from Want Les Essentiels de la Vie for a few months. This one is soft brown on one side, rose gold metallic on the other. Two chic totes for the price of one!




→ Buy the Want Les Essentiels de la Vie Reversible Strauss Tote, $716.00 (was $895.00), at ssense.com.

5 Favorites from the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale On Now

If I’m being honest, the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale doesn’t have as many standout Contemporary buys as it usually does. But, that doesn’t mean the sale isn’t worth a good look.

I spent a good chunk of time browsing through the Contemporary site section, as well as the Savvy and T.B.D. store sections. I narrowed my favorites down to these top picks, which I think have the just right mix of style and savings. Check them out…

This modern dress fuses a traditionally menswear henley with a feminine, body-conscious fit. The easy shape will feel effortless on a warm summer day, but still look sharp. Plus, James Perse fabrics are to-die-for soft.




→ Buy the James Perse Short Sleeve Henley Dress, $134.98 (was $225.00), at nordstrom.com.

6 Grown-Up Summer Staples from Madewell

Madewell may be known as J.Crew’s “little sister” brand, but that doesn’t mean grown women should shy away from their clothes. Madewell has plenty of gorgeous summer items that don’t look like they belong to anyone’s little sister.

I took a good long browse through the Madewell site and found many pieces that are perfect for summer and super affordably priced. Here are a few of my absolute favorites…

This simple silk tank is lightweight and breezy, but still quite polished. It’s also available in a pretty dusty peach color.




→ Buy the Madewell Silk Retreat Tank, $64.50 (was $88.00), at madewell.com.

Loving This Week: Summer Sale Finds

I was in the mood for a little sale shopping this week, so I hit up two of my favorite bargain shopping destinations: the Nordstrom sale section and the Neiman Marcus online outlet. There is actually a lot of stuff on sale right now, which is kind of shocking since next weekend is a big sale weekend.

Check out the sale finds taking up space in my online shopping cart this week…

1. Trina Turk Zoey Single Breasted Topper, $279.90 (was $425.00)
Around here, summer nights are chilly enough to require a coat, and this new sale find is the ideal weight for keeping away the summer chills. This basic cotton coat comes in both black and sand, a pale beige that’s about the color of a standard trench coat. It’s the kind of coat that will wear well for years. The only real decision is figuring out which color to buy.

5 Can’t Miss Black Handbags from & Other Stories

Who doesn’t like a good black handbag? And who doesn’t love a fabulous black handbag that will make strangers stop and ask where you found it?

If you aren’t handbag shopping at & Other Stories, you are missing out. This new-to-the-US retailer has a stunning selection of high-quality, reasonably priced handbags. And the best part: since & Other Stories is still relatively unknown to people who don’t closely follow fashion, chances are pretty high that your bag will be 100% unique amongst your circle of friends and acquaintances.

Check out my current black bag favorites…

This leather carry-all is my top pick. I love the size, the minimalist shape, and the dual top handle/ shoulder strap options. But, the reptile-embossed shoulder strap is the cherry on the sundae. It’s just the right amount of contrast.




→ Buy the & Other Stories Carry All Bag, $225.00, at stories.com.

Loving This Week: Summer City Travel Essentials

For the past couple weeks I’ve been planning a mid-summer trip to NYC to visit the Van Goghs. And, of course, trip planning means it’s time to take stock of the travel necessities that seem to be missing from my wardrobe and toiletry kit. I’ve been tracking down perfect travel essentials, and I ran across a handy helper for planning future adventures in the process.

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

1. Longchamp Le Pliage Neo Tote, $180.00
Over the weekend I introduced my mom to the wonder that is Longchamp nylon. When you need a lightweight bag, but still want something classy and upscale, Longchamp is the way to go. The whole episode got me thinking, I really would love a Longchamp tote for travel. It would be a welcome replacement for the super heavy, and super hard to clean, leather tote I’ve been using for years.

From Pool to Party, Must-Have Hats for Summer Occasions

--By Kim Moshtaghi

Whether you are getting ready for Derby time or planning to hang by the water, you will need to wear a hat! Wearing a hat will protect you from the sweltering heat and keep you looking sassy.

Wide rim hats keep your face from getting blotchy and help prevent you from having to shampoo your tresses before you go out. Depending on the occasion, be prepared and put your best fashion sense forward. Just make sure not to wear the sunscreen and sweat-reeking hat to your daytime function. Keep your tresses smelling fresh under your hat with some yummy smelling dry shampoo.

Check out some of these fun, simple styles that can make all the difference when it comes to completing your look. They will also save your face, literally.

This simple, black floppy hat from Topshop is wonderful. It’s a hat that you can wear as is, or turn into a statement piece by embellishing it to fit your mood and help execute your look. Get creative by using a hairpin or a piece of fabric in order to change it up once in a while.




→ Buy the Topshop New Big Felt Floppy Hat, $52.00, at us.topshop.com.