Throw It In the BAG [Men's]

I'd love to grab my moleskine, iPad, and the latest issue of V magazine; pile them in one of these bags and hit the street and start conquering the world. Whether you're heading to the office, to class, or just running errands, a versatile large bag is a must have. Enjoy!

LBD [Versus]

This edition of the LBD comes to you from Versace's diffusion line, Versus. This black satin dress (available at net-a-porter.com) is equal parts sexy and flirty. The scant bodice and full skirt make for interesting contrast, but an overall knock out look. Enjoy!

Street Symphony [Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Fall 2010]

Veteran couturier, Jean Paul Gaultier revisits and reworks some of his signature pieces for his fall 2010 couture collection. From his iconic trench and bold shoulders to loads of leather, Gaultier delivers a knockout collection. Though cohesion wasn't always a clear objective, one thing that every look did have in common was a sleek, sexy, streetwise sensibility that's sure to turn heads. 

You Had Me @ Hello [Roger Vivier]

This strappy peep-toe python bootie from Roger Vivier is a certified show stopper! It features a hidden platform for comfort and Vivier's signature thorned heel. Enjoy!

Let's Play Dress Up [Stella McCartney]

For a knockout daytime look, pair this red sheer cocktail dress with gold jewelry and nude accessories. It's perfect for an early wedding or the infamous luncheon. Enjoy!

Stella McCartney Embroidered orange dress
1,480 GBP - brownsfashion.com
Organza dress »

Jimmy Choo Private patent-leather sandals
$950 - net-a-porter.com
Jimmy choo sandals »

Alexander McQueen Scrimshaw warrior skull clutch
1,240 GBP - brownsfashion.com
Skull handbag »

Loree Rodkin Lacy Bondage Ring
10,000 GBP - brownsfashion.com
Fine jewellery rings »

Tiffany Somerset™ bangle
$5,500 - tiffany.com
Gold jewelry »

Schlumberger RopeSix-row ring
$3,700 - tiffany.com
Rings »

Stella McCartney Chunky brass ID bracelet
$285 - net-a-porter.com
Stamped jewelry »

CHANEL 6205 GOLD GOLD DANGLING PEARL
239 GBP - farfetch.com
Chanel jewelry »

House of Harlow 14KT Gold-Plated Red Cabochon Stone Bangle
$180 - shopthetrendboutique.com
Boho jewelry »

Be Careful What You Wish For [Lanvin x H&M]

I started drafting a strategy for the November 20th launch of Lanvin's collaboration with H&M and I've whittled my list down to these must have items. I refuse to be forced to wait in a long line overnight to spend my money, so hopefully these things will still be available in my size. On that note, I'm out the door to face the storm. Wish me luck!

 

$149

A Thomas Crown Affair [Simon Spurr Spring 2011]

Designer Simon Spurr takes some oldies, but goodies and makes them even greater. The three piece suits, trench coats and double breasted blazers are all classics, but Spurr updates them with some clean, close tailoring. It's easy, but certainly not boring. Enjoy 

PUMP IT UP

Pumps never fall out of vogue. The heels change shape and height, the toes swing back and forth from rounded to pointy, but this iconic shoe is surely the most consistent fashion staple. Every woman should have a pair (or 5) of great pumps in her closet. Designers' obsession with the platform has yet to subside and this season the pumps are higher than ever. Here are a few knock out pumps available @ Net-a-Porter.com. Tread carefully!

Instant Vintage [Rodarte Spring 2011]

If any design team can take inspiration from suburban boredom, and turn it into something interesting and refreshing, it is certainly the Mulleavy sisters at Rodarte. With their spring 2011 collection they somehow manage to take a mostly dull palette of "every shade of brown you can imagine" and transform 1970's wood paneling into a collection of beautiful and even sexy separates and dresses. The most refreshing feature has to be the silhouettes; high and tight on the waist and dramatically voluminous at the hip. The bright blue moments were also a welcome reprieve amidst the sea of neutrals. And just when things were starting to get too mundane, those dull browns were replaced with muted bronzes and golds.  The Mulleavy's, always sticklers for punctuation, finished off the look with brown, blue and gold ornately carved wooden heels and wedges. This is arguably the most wearable collection from Rodarte to date. 

You're Making Me PLUSH [Velvet Blazers]

Needless to say the velvet dinner jacket is a fairly popular holiday staple, and with good reason. A plush velvet blazer will punctuate any man's holiday look perfectly. From deep blues to rich reds and lush greens, there are options galore. Strong color choices will set you apart this season, but stay away from light colors and opt for dark jewel tones for a more formal evening look. 

Versace

All I Want Is You [Lanvin x H&M]

The highly anticipated Lanvin for H&M collection hit the net today and it absolutely did not disappoint! Alber Elbaz stayed remarkably true to the Lanvin aesthetic. Virtually every piece could easily be (and in some cases are) right off a Lanvin runway in Paris. And the subtle changes to house classics only served to make the dresses, skirts, shoes and jewelry even more wearable. Lucas Ossendrijver's menswear collection was another hit! There are shirts, suits, shoes, and ties all infused with signature Lanvin details like flower pins, raw edge trimmings, and sequins. Naturally, I want it ALL! I anticipate long long loooooong lines on November 23rd when the collection officially goes on sale in stores. Enjoy!

Behold A Lady [Louis Vuitton Fall 2010]

Louis Vuitton's fall 2010 collection is truly a lesson in luxury. Visionary creative director Marc Jacobs fashions a look that's equal parts sweet and succulent, all while taking us on an extraordinarily authentic journey to the late 1950's. Jacobs unwavering vision didn't allow for a single pair of pants on the runway, but if this sounds a bit boring, don't worry; as with all things Jacobs, there were a few surprises. Where the hemlines were solidly below the knee, the necklines were plunging, and while the silhouettes and color palette were vastly unchanging, the textures and fabrics changed constantly from conventional tweeds and wools to show-stopping velvets, leathers and even furs. The shoes followed a similar formula. They were pointed with flat bows and chunky sky high heels, but came in a variety of materials from satin to crocodile to ostrich. He finished off the look with leather gloves and bouncy ponytails. And the house's signature accessory was hardly forgotten as every model walked out on the runway toting a monogrammed clutch or some variation of the label's classic 1930's speedy. That concludes our walk down memory lane. Enjoy!

The Other Anna [Anna Dello Russo]

As you may have noticed, Shameless Swagger has upgraded to "Lifestyles of the Rich & Shameless." The brand is growing, and I needed a title that was more universal and more accurately represented the content. To kick things off, we have a styling lesson from the always shameless fashion editor of Vogue Nippon. Watch this video at your own risk. I'd recommend hiding any sharp objects because Ms. Anna Dello Russo will make you hate your life. She is shamelessness personified!

Don't forget to update your bookmarks and favorites! And if you want more Anna, check out her blog.

Fall Trend [Furry Feet]

Fur continues to dominate the fall season and no accessory is taboo. While fur-lined boots have long been on the runway, pumps and sandals with fur details are one of the biggest trends to emerge this season. And designers aren't just sticking to the usual suspects like shearling and rabbit; they're also using goat hair and mongolian fur. I have one caveat: stay away from water! 

Lanvin python pump with Mongolian fur trim

Good Girl Gone Bad [Willow Smith's Whip My Hair]

The music videos just keep on coming. Next up is Willow Smith with her highly anticipated debut video for "Whip My Hair." The clip was directed by Ray Kay (Lady GaGa, Justin Beiber) and has the nine-year-old disrupting a boring, bland school and transforming it into a colorful dance off. The comparisons to Rihanna are unavoidable but Willow's team did a great job of creating something tough and edgy, but still young and playful. But after all this hair whipping, Willow and all her dancers are sure to need some physical therapy. It will likely all be worth it once those iTunes checks start coming in. Class dismissed!

Throw It in the BAG [Fall Trends]

Fall is officially here so it's time to put those transitional items away and breakout the full fledged fall gear. This season's big bag trend is texture. Most designers stuck to classic shapes and created timeless, functional pieces, but they spiced things up by incorporating tweed, crocodile and fur in their designs. Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!

Derek Lam

LBD [Alexander Wang]

This week's little black dress is brought to you by Alexander Wang. The young designer is well known for creating sporty, yet sexy and modern pieces worn by the likes of Rihanna and Solange. This draped number is too casual for black tie, but it's perfect for a fun night out on the town. I love the combination of loose shapes with a fitted corset. A pair of stand out booties and earrings will complete the look. 

The Last Girl on Earth [Rihanna's Only Girl]

Video director Anthony Mandler creates a visually mesmerizing landscape for pop princess Rihanna's latest video, "Only Girl (in the World)" off her upcoming album LOUD. The Stargate produced track showcases Rihanna sounding better than ever over a pulsing Euro-pop beat. It's very reminiscent of "Don't Stop the Music" but with much stronger and polished vocals. Rihanna's made her career off of being a fashion plate and for her new project, it looks like she's softening the hard edges of her look (and sound) and opting for something more flirty and fun. The set-ups in the video are simple, but very dramatic, mostly due to all the lush, vivid colors. Overall, I think it's a great song and video. I'm not usually a fan, but she has my attention this time around.

Rock Star 101 [Burberry Prorsum Men's Spring 2011]

Christopher Bailey sends his soldiers on leave from military service and they are headed straight to the race track, decked out in biker jackets, motocross leather pants, and studded belts. They haven't completely forgotten their civic duty thanks to the leather epaulets and military shirts. The studded sandals, however, are all play and no work. Enjoy

Ayo Technology

Carry your laptop around in style with one of these designer cases from Net-a-porter.com. From a practical padded version by Fendi,  to the ultra luxe crocodile cover by Nancy Gonzalez, there's one for every taste and price point. Enjoy!

Back to Basics [Ciara's Gimme Dat]

I'm not a huge Ciara fan but I do like this song and the video doesn't disappoint. "Gimme Dat", the latest single from her forthcoming album, Basic Instinct, is a fast-paced hip-hop meets techno hybrid, much like the single "Work" from her last album. I guess since the music is so similar, that naturally the visuals would be the similar also, especially since Melina Matsoukas (Rihanna's "Hard", Beyoncé's "Diva") directed both videos. The treatment must have looked nutz on paper though; all that dancing at the beginning makes no sense, but it sure does look good. Ci-Ci played to her strengths and as usual, her body is ridiculous and the choreography is phenomenal. The styling is OK, but it felt like she was trying too hard and I could have done without all the theatrics and sound effects towards the end. I was done when the sprinkler went off, but the first three minutes before the water were pretty dope. Check it out!

Paris, Tokyo [Philippe Tournaire]

Fashion and architecture collide at Parisian jeweler Philippe Tournaire with a collection of rings featuring mini-replicas of homes, citadels and cities. Here is a small sample of his work. For more click here. Enjoy!

Let's Play Dress Up [Fall Fashion]

For a casual fall weekend look, a chunky knit sweater is perfect. It's comfortable and warm but still stylish. Pair it with skinny jeans, a bold scarf to add drama, a rustic cocktail ring and high-heel boots to give the look a polished effect. A militant trench and worn leather bag will finish the look perfectly.

Adam Cable-knit wool-blend sweater
$295 - net-a-porter.com
Cable knit sweater »

Antik Batik Lucia cotton trench coat
$660 - net-a-porter.com
Cotton coat »

MiH Jeans Breathless low-rise skinny jeans
$235 - net-a-porter.com
Low rise skinny jeans »

Tory Burch Halima suede and leather ankle boots
$450 - net-a-porter.com
Suede boots »

Chloe chocolate leather top handle bag at Bluefly
$1,528 - bluefly.com
Leather bag »

Yves Saint Laurent - US - New Arty Square Ring with Jasper...
$425 - ysl.com
Square ring »

Atlas® circle earrings
$575 - tiffany.com
Gold jewelry »

Alexander McQueen Alexander The Great silk-blend scarf
$895 - net-a-porter.com
Alexander mcqueen scarves »

Promiscuous Girl [Balmain Spring 2011]

Christophe Decarnin takes biker chic to a whole new level with his spring collection for Balmain. Gone are the ultra luxurious brocades and leopard prints from fall. In their place, Decarnin has fashioned a "Trash & Vaudeville" collection complete with hole ridden t-shirts, denim cutoffs, bleached cropped jeans, and biker jackets, all generously embellished with studs and safety pins. The house seems to be working the military trend to the bone, and this season the look is guerilla warfare. Surprisingly (and unfortunately), there wasn't a single dress, neither mini nor maxi, on the runway, and this rugged and tattered look is hardly new territory for Christophe Decarnin (see spring 2010), both of which made for an especially redundant collection. Even the shoes were mere subtle updates to the boots and pumps from 2 seasons ago. Repetition aside, my favorite moments were the pair of white unembellished blazers as well as a pair of black embellished ones. See below.

Duffle Bag Boy [Trussardi 1911]

For those long weekend trips out of town or getaways to tropical locales, the duffle is the perfect bag. Avoid checking big luggage pieces and bypass the long lines, so that you can embark on your vacation sans delay with this classic bag by Trussardi 1911.  I'd tell you where to buy, but I'm debating if I should cop.

The Day The Earth Stood Still [Alexander McQueen Spring 2011]

Sarah Burton adds Taxidermist to her extensive resume creating a beautiful and ethereal collection featuring realistic leaf, wheat, feather, and moth motifs. Her fresh, yet continued use of  house classics (bold shoulders, full skirts, extensive embroidery) is a testament to how rich McQueen's legacy is, especially considering the house's youth. The models donned pale faces and long braids (that were actually a basket weave pattern), and there was much less emphasis on accessories than in past seasons. My one qualm: the shoes. The booties seemed too industrial and technical for such a "naturalist" collection. The shoes aside... Long Live McQueen!

LBD [La Petite S]

This ruched and ruffled dress will be an instant stunner at any cocktail event. It's bold enough to steal the spotlight, but subtle enough to avoid being obnoxious. I'd recommend changing the belt; this one is much too sporty. Also, the ruffle detail adds bulk, so this dress is best suited for slim hips. Finish the look with bold earrings, a small lacquered clutch, and, of course, sky high pumps. 

Three's Company [Christian Louboutin Pigalle]

Christian Louboutin puts down his bedazzler for a brief but much appreciated reprieve from the embellished, over-done aesthetic in favor of this quickly spreading wardrobe staple and house classic: the Pigalle. Currently available in three heights, this timeless design features glossy patent leather and a pointed (but not too pointy) toe, creating a sleek and streamlined silhouette. For understated practicality, opt for the flat. If your inner dramatist is insatiable, the 120 should keep her content. Enjoy! 

Pigalle Flat

Pigalle 85

Pigalle 120

All items are available at Net-A-Porter

Ladies in RED [Jada Pinkett and Willow Smith]

Jada Pinkett-Smith and daughter Willow arrive at Dolce & Gabbana's Spring 2011 show during Milan fashion week. Aside from the pair's Christian Louboutin shoes, I have no idea what designer they're wearing, but I hardly care. Let this be a lesson in "how to sell a look." The flawless skin, the elusive hat and that seemingly haphazard cover up are pitch perfect!  And Willow, she's an accessory too. She's there just to rub it in your face that Jada was able to spawn beautiful offspring  and still have a super svelte figure. ::throws out cheeseburger:: Oh and the "look" she's selling? "You could never do it this good!" ::Takes cheeseburger back out the trash::

I'd love to see a face off between Jada and Victoria Beckham!

Introducing... ELLE VARNER

I present to you, a fellow NYU alum, new J recording artist, and incomparable musical talent, Elle Varner! The video speaks for itself.



I can't hardly wait...

The LOOK for LESS [Balmain + French Connection]

At the urging of some major influencers in my life, I've decided to add a new feature titled "The LOOK for LESS." As the title suggests, I'll be showcasing "reasonably priced" alternatives to some the industry's biggest and most expensive labels. First up, we have one the most notoriously hight priced houses: Balmain. A favorite of Beyoncé and Rihanna and Sarah Jessica Parker and Blake Lively, the label's signature mini dresses come with a pretty high price tag, but fear not... European store Asos is offering a pretty comparable look from French Connection that is much, MUCH less expensive. Enjoy!

French Connection sequin wrap front dress

Throw It in the BAG [Farewell Summer]

As autumn approaches it's time to start thinking about packing away your favorite summer pieces. Here are some Spring 2010 bags that were great while they lasted but you probably should not carry over to the coming season. It's best you put them back in their respective dust bags and boxes and pile them away until the flowers bloom once more. 

Fendi

Let's Play Dress Up [The LBD Edition: Preen]

The LBD by CazAntonio

Dress up this LBD by Preen with bold accessories like this statement necklace by Louis Vuitton, leopard print mini bag and chain linked shoes from Lanvin, black and gold cuff by Givenchy and diamond and lacquer bracelet by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Finish it off with this Victorian inspired coat by Vivienne Westwood and you're sure to be the star!

Preen Maximum dress, $1,035
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Propaganda asymmetric wool-blend coat, $930
Lanvin Suede chain-detail pumps, $1,245
Lanvin Mini Pop leopard-print bag, $1,555
Givenchy Cuff, $710
Jean Schlumberger Diamond bracelet, $130,000
Louis Vuitton gold and pearl necklace, ?

International Players Anthem [Louis Vuitton Fall 2010]

Louis Vuitton's menswear is synonymous with polished and clean, yet easy and effortless style with extreme consideration for the avid traveller. The Fall 2010 collection is no exception. The label's menswear artistic director, Paul Helbers does a tremendous job of designing extremely wearable and desirable pieces. The clothes are never fussy or overdone and the accessories are always pitch perfect! For this season, the look is double breasted coats, in a mostly neutral palette infused with the occasional color blocking. The bags are chunky, but not clumsy and mostly cut from brown and tan leather. And the shoes are extendable ankle boots with some featuring a clog motif. Helbers rounds out the collection with easy sunglasses and textured gloves. It is truly a recipe for success.

Always STRAPPED! [Buckled Boots]

Buckle embellished boots are the look for Fall 2010. With sharp, clean silhouettes from Manolo Blahnik and soft, bulky shapes from Burberry Prorsum, there's a style for every ensemble. And don't worry about all the straps; most boots feature a discreet inside zipper for easy on and off. Enjoy!

Manolo Blahnik