Thanks to a lovely Indian summer the gloves I now desperately need are still tucked away in the far recesses of our coat closet. Up until now, we have been spared the arctic blasts of fall that remind every Chicagoan not to get too comfortable without our winter wardrobe. Living here you learn to quickly amass an arsenal of hats, scarves, coats, boots, face shields and, most importantly, gloves. When worn together, these items transform the mere Midwestern mortal into a winter warrior from December to April.

I have yet to give into using a face shield and I try to keep my winter outerwear look less mountain climber and more sophisticated snow queen. To do so, I start with a great coat and I always wear gloves. The skin on your hands is extremely delicate and exposing it to harsh temperatures can be very damaging so keep them covered and use A LOT of hand cream in the winter.

You might think that buying gloves online is impossible. I did too. Isn’t that something you need to try on? No, not if you know how to measure your hand to get your exact glove size. Thanks to my bff, who was the impetus for this post, I went to the web and found some easy instructions on glove.org. Take the following two measurements of your dominant hand (the one you write with): (1) around the hand at the fullest part (exclude thumb) and (2) the tip of the middle finger to the base of the hand. Use the larger of these two measurements to determine your glove size – the number of inches correlates to the size of the glove you should be wearing.

Giorgio Sermoneta is the undisputed king of the glove. His company, Sermoneta Gloves, has been exclusively specializing in gloves since it opened its first shop in Rome in 1960. With stores in 10 international cities, including Manhattan and Chicago, it’s possible you’ve passed one of their fabulously colorful window displays. A high level of craftsmanship (to produce one pair of gloves requires at least 10 artisans) and reasonable prices makes them a very smart investment. Each style comes in a rainbow of colors and prices start at $85 for their Kid Cashmere Glove (see pink glove above). You can shop their collection online at sermonetagloves.com/shop. This weekend I plan to unearth my winter accessories and take inventory. I may need a new pair of gloves in some snazzy Sermoneta color.

Cooper & Stollbran for ASOS Shooting Jacket $337 - Sessun Military Peacoat $313

Urban Code 80′s Fit Leather Bike Jacket $202

If you’ve never heard of Asos.com, you are about to. They recently began promoting their US site and ads are popping up in American Fashion magazines (see Lucky’s November issue). Asos is strictly an online fashion store and while Shopbop and Net-a-Porter still set the standard, Asos boasts an equally impressive volume of merchandise.

Whistles Sofia Dress $210 - Whistles Petra Print Eyelet Dress $252

Whistles Mini Camo Dress $210

The self-proclaimed “world’s biggest wardrobe” means 1,500 new items a week and over 800 brands. They offer free shipping both ways, on all orders. Yes, the merchandise is coming from the UK so it takes longer (8 days for free shipping), but if you want to spend an extra $12 they can get it to you in 4 days. The clothing selection is quite different, with brands you don’t see often here in the states like Karen Millen, Minkpink, Whistles and Sessun. They also partner with institutions like high-end UK outerwear manufacturer Cooper & Stollbrand.

Minkpink Velvet Oversize Square Top $84 – Free People Lace Shoulder Chambray Shirt

ASOS WHITE Cashmere Mix Sweat Top $77

Their in-house labels are a real value for the design. It took me about 2 hours to fill my virtual cart but I still have more to see. I never even got to the Beauty department and only browsed the shoes. But I think you will agree that having access to these brands is worth the time it takes to look.

ASOS Square Pattern Blanket Wrap $70 – Vila Slouchy Spot Intasia Knit Top $58

Reiss Pippin Oversize Sweater $185

I am so excited about this new site and the variety it will add to my own wardrobe. It’s my birthday this weekend so I might be treating myself to a few items featured in this post. Do you guys have any favorites?

Asos Premium Leather Macrame Knotted Oversized Clutch $117 - Bertie Simone Key Hole Shoe Boot $160

Paul by Paul Smith Helena Cuffed Heeled Boots $421

Leave me a comment and let me know what you like. I need a bad influence!

By mid-summer I tend to start fantasizing about my fall wardrobe. Even though I am still wearing dresses, skirts and rompers, I can’t wait to put on jeans, boots, and big sweaters. So now that September has arrived, it’s finally time to talk fall trends. I’ve been keeping lots of lists, but Leopard is the first trend I want to cover because many of these pieces are transitional and can be worn right now.

I am not a big fan of animal prints in general but leopard (and occasionally cheetah) can be very chic when worn sparingly and with the right coordinating pieces. It’s a tricky trend because it can look cheap depending on the quality of the fabric and the actual design of the print. So while you need to spend a little more on these pieces, you don’t need many of them to incorporate the leopard trend into your wardrobe.  One leopard accessory and one piece of clothing can be worn in many different ways throughout the season. To get you started I chose a few pieces that are available online now:

1. Botkier ‘Maddie’ Suede Crossbody Bag $345 – The color, shape and fabric of this bag are completely unexpected and yet so versatile. On the weekends, I would wear it with jeans, biker boots and a crisp white shirt. At night it would look great with wide leg jeans, or pants, and a tweed box jacket (maybe one in black and white with a hint of gold to bring out the yellow of the bag). Buy it at saksfifthavenue.com.

2. Tarnish Asymmetrical Animal Print Fedora $75 – You are too cool if you can wear this hat well. Be forewarned – you must look good in fedoras to get away with this one. But if you do, this is an accessory with attitude that will immediately dress up your drab, black winter coats. But it at nordstrom.com.

3. Anlo ‘Jordan’ Dress $260 – A darker version of the leopard print looks great on all skin colors and this is the perfect transitional weight. Wear it now with sandals and later with low motorcycle boots and a cropped jacket. Buy it at nordstrom.com.

4. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Leopard Print Faux Fur Coat $545 – Despite what may seem like a large price tag, this is a great print at a great price and something you will have forever. Buy it at saksfifthavenue.com.

5. See by Chloe Printed Silk Dress $390 – The subtle color and sparse print of this dress make it so sophisticated. Another great transition piece, you can wear it now with nude strappy heels and later with boots and a blazer. For a more casual look this fall, I would put this on with my biker boots and a black boyfriend sweater so it just peeks out the bottom like a skirt. Buy it at net-a-porter.com.

6. AKA New York Cocoon Top $238 – The only leopard top you will ever need. Wear it as a shell under a blazer with wide-leg bottoms, or with black skinny jeans and sky-high suede booties. Buy it at shopbop.com.

7. Ann Taylor Perfect Leopard Flat $158 – Super cute leopard flats never go out of style and can instantly make a boring outfit fun. When you’re feeling uninspired and black seems like the only color in your closet, put this print on your feet and just look like you made an effort. Buy them at anntaylor.com.

8. Tolani Leopard Print Scarf $99 – Just like the flats, this scarf can instantly dress up an outfit. All the the black, grey and brown in your wardrobe will pair perfectly with this pretty piece and you will get a lot of mileage out of a small investment. Buy it at singer22.com.

There are many leopard options out there but we hope this helps inspire you to shop for a few great pieces for fall.

xoxo Melina

I was in DC this weekend and stopped over in Georgetown just to checkout one of the first Cusp locations and I was not disappointed. Now that I’ve been there, done that I am happy to give a glowing recommendation of their e-commerce site. It’s like visiting a virtual, mini-department store with all your favorite contemporary clothing, shoe and accessory brands. That includes a well-curated assortment of beauty products, such as Chanel Les Vernis Nail Colour, and the entire line of Hanky Panky underwear.

They make shopping the site interesting with a Trends section listing unexpected search categories like “Instant Gratification”, where all the pieces are priced under $2oo and “Play It by Ear”, featuring just earrings. The brand mix is extensive and I just want to name a “few” here – La Rok, Parker, Elizabeth and James, French Connection, J Brand, Alice & Olivia, Beyond Vintage, Frye, Belle by Sigerson, Madison Marcus, Dolce Vita, Pour Le Victoire, Botkier, Cynthia Vincent, and Foley and Corinna. Check out the site at www.cusp.com for the full roster of designers and products and if you happen to be near a store, I’d recommend stopping in – the design is fresh and the selection is fun!

Happy Shopping!

xoxo Melina

]]> http://www.missknowitall.com/cut-to-the-cusp/feed/ 0 http://www.missknowitall.com/neons-you-should-buy-right-now/ http://www.missknowitall.com/neons-you-should-buy-right-now/#comments Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:31:25 +0000 Melina http://www.missknowitall.com/?p=622

Bright, neon colors for summer. Not exactly original, I know, but is this trend actually wearable? After scouring my piles of magazines and seeing images of bronzed photo-shopped models in 80’s inspired electric bikinis (um, no thanks!), I decided it was about time to explore more reasonable options.

Remembering that a pop of color can go a long way, I found flattering frocks and accessories in vivid hues that will give your closet good vibrations all summer long (and they are all under $200!):

1. Fierra Y Back Tank Dress, Alice + Olivia: $198 – Simple and sexy, just as the summer should be! Be perfection in purple with this no-frills dress that you’ll be grabbing for again and again for every night out.

2. Cotton Racer-Back Tank, Splendid: $44 – The key-lime color of this casual tank will look great paired with white jeans and a nice tan.

3. Neon Lights Belt, Madewell in Pop Pink: $32 – Keep it together and understated with this skinny belt that adds the tiniest burst of color. Cinch a dress at the waist, or sling it through the loops of pants at the hip, either way you can’t go wrong with this chic and playful accent.

4. Olvera Pocket Dress, Patterson J. Kincaid: $89 – This orange-blossom/coral color reminds me of a Tequila Sunrise, which could be your perfect accessory! Wear it as a beach cover up or throw on some heels for a sweltering night out. The best part? It’s on sale right now!

5. Disco City Tote, Foley & Corinna in Electric Blue: $198 – I have this bag in grey and I wear it all the time. It’s so versatile and I absolutely love the azure blue color. This high-voltage accessory can bring any outfit from boring to bangin’.

6. Patent Ballerina Flats, Bloch: $150 – You’ll be walking on sunshine with these peppy fun flats that can bring any summer outfit to life. They will also work well into fall when you need to spice up an all black ensemble.

7. Skinny Mini Skirt, Naven in Vegas Blue: $140 - Tuck in a cute tank and you’re good to go with this high-wasted electric mini.

8. Drape Back Top, Amanda Uprichard in Hot Pink/Black: $106 – I bought this top in the spring and love wearing it with my black skinny jeans. It’s sexy and yet leaves plenty to the imagination. The black band in the back is great for hiding a strapless bra so you can feel supported while showing off some skin!

Now go get yourself a gorgeous neon number and crank up the heat on your summer wardrobe.

xoxo Lauren

It’s about time! J.Crew’s newish sister store, Madewell, is finally online with its own e-commerce site. If you are not familiar with the brand, the clothes are a little less preppy and a little more bohemian. And the prices are similar, if not slightly more reasonable, than J.Crew. With only a sprinkling of stores throughout the US, the site is a long time coming for those of us who can’t get to a store or just prefer to shop from the comfort of our homes.

I had a great time shopping Madewell.com. Here are the contents of my cart…too bad I can’t buy it all!

1. Romantic Ruffle Dress: $88 – Love the ruffly sleeves and skin skimming, yet flattering, silhouette.

2. Metal Mesh Drape Tank: $58 – This rocker meets surfer girl tank comes in three colors. The mesh panels dress it up, making it an easy staple piece that can go from day to night.

3. Panama Hat: $58 – A great hat at a great price. This girly twist on the original will go perfectly will all your summer outfits and is a stylish way to shield yourself from the sun.

4. Boardwalk Shorts: $72 – The trend of the season, silky shorts in the perfect summer pink. These will make your tan legs look great and the color, despite what you may think, can go with almost anything.

5. Cascade Color Drop Necklace: $98 – Metal chain necklaces are everywhere right now but I love this boho version with the colored stones.

6. Mariposa Skirt: $88 – Love the shape, love the exposed zipper, love the print. You will get a lot of use out of this mini.

7. Academy Blazer: $168 – Pair it now with a flowy dress or skirt and in the fall with skinny jeans, this versatile blazer will be one of your favorites. It’s all in the details – the tailored shape and gold buttons will inject instant fashion into any outfit.

8. Drifter Top: $118 – I’m a sucker for pretty tops that look like they came straight from the 60′s and this one has my name written all over it. It’s the perfect piece to wear with denim cutoffs and go see a summer concert in the park!

9. Scarfi Creazioni Panarea Multi-Lace Sandals: $78 – Instant Italian chic! These sandals are actually made there on the island of Panarea. They come with two sets of straps, in black and periwinkle, so you can wear them all summer long.

xoxo Melina

The only site of its’ kind, Singer22.com has ingeniously made trendy celebrity street fashion readily accessible to all. Catch Rihanna strolling in Manhattan in J Brand skinny cargos and an LnA tee…you can buy the whole outfit here.  Party dresses and hip casual clothing in the boho/punk-rock genre is the general theme of this massive online storefront, although there are definitely more polished looks in the mix.

Hard-to-find t-shirt brands such as Lauren Moshi (seen above on Reese Witherspoon), Wildfox, and Rebel Yell, which are extremely hard to find in street retail are all available in abundance. The latest hot frocks from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, Gypsy 05, Alice and Olivia, Pency, Parker and many more stock the virtual shelves of this fun, funky fashion world where dressing like a celebrity is just a click away. You can also find your favorite accessories such as Jeffrey Campbell shoes and Rebecca Minkoff handbags.

And now for the downside…you can only return your purchases for store credit (good for one year). But they make the exchange process easy and, truthfully, you know you will use it eventually. The links below (and images above) are just a small slice of Singer22.com’s vast summer selection (left to right):

Alice + Olivia Sheila Asymmetrical Cut Out Dress in Black: $242 - Current/Elliott The Captain Trouser in Army or Khaki: $162 - Naven Party Dress in Pop Pink (Black and Purple also available): $379 – Paige Premium Denim Verdugo Jegging in Dusk: $158 - Blue Moon Summer Lovin Dress in Summer Tie Dye: $175 - Lauren Moshi V-Neck Swing Bow Top: $94

Looks like you have a new excuse to sneak a peek into the lives celebrities and their favorite fashions. Don’t worry, we won’t judge.

xoxo Melina

If you’ve ever been to ABC here in NYC, you know there is a lot to look at. Every inch of their 5-story space is filled with amazingly fabulous home furnishings and accessories. But for me, Tracey Tanner’s pieces stood out among the crowd. Her little pouches and makeup cases are made with extremely soft leather and are adorned with a hint of glittery sparkles and distressed metallic patterns. After a little at-home research, we learned that the Brooklyn-based designer has a vast collection of leather goods with unique, on-trend details in classic shapes and colors.

I bought the small makeup case in “Sparkling Frost” to hold credit cards and cash because my wallet is always too large for my evening bags. I may also use it as a change purse. When I found Tanner’s website, I fell in love with her handbags, jewelry and small accessories.

The Brooke and Casey bags come in a lovely neutral palette and versatile shapes. Her rugged, rocker-inspired wristbands are also a cool find at an affordable price. The MKIAs really like the “Distressed,” Triple Wrap band as well as the “Bar,” 4 Row cuff.

With edgy details, girlie sparkles, and sophisticated designs, Tracey Tanner makes leather goods really good.

We recommend subscribing to their mailing list to receive their fabulous “lookbooks.” Talk about fashion inspiration!  These online guides feature trends, runway reports, and individual designers in a unique editorial style that the glossy mags can’t touch. Their emails, which may tempt you to shop (that is the idea), will no doubt keep you educated and if nothing else, help you shop your own closet with an editor’s eye.

They recently introduced free worldwide shipping in 3 days or less (and free returns within the USA.)  Hello customer service!  We love you shopbop.

Good thing I found Scoop’s double-sided beach towel that not only is eye-catching as a terry-cloth blanket or towel, it functions as a wrap as well! So now, when my warm and sunny dreams of laying out and getting a tan this weekend are dashed by 60 degree weather, I can cuddle up in this over-sized pareo. Not only can you be the most stylish person on the beach, you can be the warmest too.  These genius creations are sold at Scoop stores or online at libastyle.com.