forcute

I am always on the hunt for a cute wallet. Not that I acutally buy all that I see, but its fun to look at the endless supply of the beautiful shapes and materials that are available. Patent leather is starting to look really interesting for fall, although I still do love metallics. Here are a few of my favorites. It appears these small and square wallets are referred to as ‘french wallets’.

 Yves Saint Laurent ‘Belle De Jour’

Dolce & Gabbana anthracite metallic

Balenciaga black leather hinge

Wow, I think I’ve decided….Gucci ‘Royal’ in brown suede. Nice.

My new favorite earrings. Amazing.

Lotus Earrings by Farrah Dragon Jewelry $750

Find this and more great stuff from auto 

Simply Silhouettes is a great concept. They create custom products using images you give them to create great products for your home, including stationery, dishes, mugs, mouse pads, room decor, pillows and t-shirts.  Its all just so adorable and sounds like the perfect gift for grandparents or just to add a little something special around the house.

Here are a few more examples of their work:

Simply Sihlouettes

Tom Ford Elizabeth 

Lately, given the hot summer weather and bright sun, Ive been thinking more and more about sunglasses. When I recently misplaced my pair of black sunglasses, I realized how inadequate my collection truly is. Ive spent lots of time in the stores and have never really been interested in them until now. Depending where you shop, there are some really great deals to be had. I find that sunglasses made in Italy are of great quality and wherever I look, I try to find not only a good style, but something that will feel good wearing. And yes, I never pay retail and you shouldnt either!

Tom Ford Samantha

I recently discovered the Tom Ford brand. We are all familiar with his sunglasses on famous celebrities, and with frame styles such as Whitney, Samantha, and Lauren, its easy to ID which style you love most. His frames are also quite tasteful, sparing us from much of the “bling” that too many in the stores have. I suppose if you are the creative director of Gucci, you must be doing something right.

I just love the giraffe prints that seem to be so popular this season. They are not as wild as leopard or zebra prints, and manage to look fun in just about any color. I really like this shoulder bag, which by the way is a great price right now at Elaine Turner. The hardware really dresses it up and the brown and ivory color palette is so neutral it would be perfect for fall. Just $138, down from $350!

Nina Giraffe Grasscloth Handbag

Raglan Long Sleeve Dress $195

My newest obsession is James Perse. The brand is pretty new to me, but what I do know is they make the best t-shirts around, and his products are made in the USA.

Besides some really great looking dresses and loungewear, the star of the show are the t-shirts. They come in just a few understated styles in basic colors, and really thats all I want…just a great looking t-shirt. The white vintage v-neck - awesome. At $55 a pop, its kind of steeep, but if you get look around, you might find some on sale. Ive found that Shopbop has a great collection to get you started.

Vintage V Neck Tee $55

I found a great site called Le Train Bleu. They have a great assortment of both cheap and chic and the brands they sell are so new and different I can’t get enough.

You’ll see they sell dresses, tops, shoes and acessories. They also have an apothecary section…that always excites me. Here are some of my favorite picks…

Bianca Dress from Heidi Merrick $455  

Checkers Peeps $82

Pastel Dress $122

This is a perfect example of something being beautiful and useless at the same time. Maybe I sound harsh, because I do love this amazing little clutch, and I suppose everything doesn’t have to be completely utilitarian. However, one of my basic requirements is that I should at least be able to carry my keys and a lipstick!  Made in Italy.

Below are a few more beautifully impractical items from the Neiman Marcus sale going on now. Free shipping too with code NMSHIP. I’m obsessed!

Valentino Leopard Print Bow Clutch

Fendi Embellished Convertible Bag

I much prefer shopping websites that use human models. I just can’t identify with a white piece of plastic.

Anyway, I love the long dress trend, and here is a cute example from Intermix that is so cute, although I am sure you can find this great style at about any price point.

I just love the turquoise geometric print with the touch of red leaves accross the hips. Made from a blend of linen and silk. From the one and only Diane Von Furstenburg. $380

Franz Halter Dress

Don’t you just love the black, pebbled leather and the subtle center stitch on this great wristlet? Its not often you can find a good little staple like this with a designer name on sale. Get yours in black or cream for $165 and free shipping on eluxury. Measures 8.5″x5.75″ - just right.

d&g dolce & gabbana rebecca elefante wristlet