Wearability.us

Amazing pieces from Rachel Roy today

Never heard of this designer before, but I was quite taken by her imaginative (and very expensive) pieces on Gilt today.

Amazing gold leather laser-cut pencil skirt. $798 from $2295
Jersey belted cowl-neck dress. $228 from $795
Silk cotton pleated trench. $798 from $2695
Seam detail dress. $498 from $1795

Can you think of a better way to spend $900?

Ok so maybe a flight to Hong Kong might be worth more than these shoes. But probably not - trips are temporary. Shoes are forever. I've been seeing the Yves Saint Laurent cage booties all over the magazines lately, but what really captures my heart are these sandal versions, with metallic leather and sweetly feminine velvet ribbons. * melt *

Originally priced at ~$1500, it looks like they are now on sale for $900!

Meet Bonzie, Pt. 2: A bolero for Mum's Day

I think my mother will look smashing in one of Bonzie's dramatic, regal boleros. Especially with all the partying she's been doing lately! There are so many colors and materials though - again it's hard to choose.

Peruse items from Bonzie's line at their etsy shop.
Follow their adventures on the Bonzie blog.

Meet Bonzie, Pt. 1: Which skirt should I get?

Bonzie is an independent Irish "aunt-niece design duo with a love for an olde worlde time worn aesthetic." I first discovered them on etsy (of course) months ago and have been in love with their designs ever since. Bonzie is best known for its boleros, which I'll feature in Part 2, but if I were to get one thing for myself, it would have to be one of these fantastic upcycled skirts.

Combining ladylike ruffles with traditional plaids, hard-edged leather and hardware, they suggest a bit of steampunk, a bit of Scottish kilt, a bit of wayward pirate wench, and all romance. Problem is, they come in many colors and are customizable, so I'm having trouble deciding on just one style.

Bonzie and Ger were so cute in their response: "Thanks ever so much for your kind words about our work, we are chuffed that you enjoy our designs and would be delighted for you to...be featuring us!"

Peruse items from Bonzie's line at their etsy shop.
Follow their adventures on the Bonzie blog.

Gorgeous sewing ideas from Giambattista Valli

I'm not saying I can, or even will try to, attempt making stuff like this. There must be a reason why these pieces normally retail for $1300 - $4000 apiece (they're between $400-$800 today on GG). But it sure makes a girl dream.

I want: Erickson Beamon for Target

If not for Gossip Girl, I would probably not have known what Erickson Beamon was, nor the fact that the brand was created by two up-start socialites from Detroit (yes, Detroit). Anyway, their audacious designs can soon be purchased from Target! $50 is a lot better than $500, but still - is it a fair price for beads and base metal?

Fashion Friday: Costello Tagliapietra

Anyone want to venture a guess on how to pronounce that, be my guest.

I was well struck by how neatly constructed these pieces are, and how they feel so classic but with a bit of a twist. Only problem is I don't think they are made for girls with big butts.

Alexander McQueen makes my heart race.

I posted about him before. His stuff was on sale again at Gilt Groupe today, but still totally out of my price range. Dark and sexy stuff. Some of my favorite pieces:

Alexander McQueen says, "I want you to wear animals!"

I don't know a whole lot about Alexander McQueen except that he likes to push the envelope, and his clothing is way out of my price range (even at Gilt Groupe prices). That doesn't mean I can't appreciate the darkly fantastical quality in his designs, like something out of a modern vampire novel (maybe if the Twilight kids found themselves on the set of Gossip Girl). Just a twinge of urban gothic.

Here are some of today's sale items that spoke to me. They said, "We're a little dangerous and will leave a slight strange taste in your mouth." Hah!

I don't especially like the idea of wearing animal materials for their own sake--I draw the line at killing animals for fashion. (Though, I'm apparently okay with wearing leather if I get to eat the steak =P) But these pieces are... interesting. I'm intrigued by the beast of a goat-fur armored tote bag and the python slingback heels especially. And I love the structure of his dresses.