A sprinkling of lace tops and skirts were an exciting addition to my spring/summer wardrobe. And, based on what I am seeing in all the fall previews, it looks like what might have been a one-season wonder is now a full-fledged trend.  For those of us who are tired of the studs, chains and distressed leather that have dominated the virtual shelves of our shopping world, lovely lace is the perfect antidote. It is simultaneously sweet and seductive, an enviable duality. And just one great piece, when paired with the right basic, can take your outfit from average to incredible.

I’ve plucked some of my favorites for you to consider when planning your fall purchases. All of these are available now and can be worn during the transition time from warmer to cooler weather. One, very important piece of advice – a single item of lace in any outfit is pretty, anything more is a costume. So if you want to evoke Marie Antoinette, please wait for Halloween. Happy shopping!

1. Donna Mizani Lace Dress in Black $210 – This is a perfect summer to fall transition dress. You can wear it now with a black, strappy heel and later with a nude, closed-toe platform. Buy it at singer22.com.

2. Beyond Vintage Lace Dolman Top in Navy $180 – Dark navy lace is so appealing because it’s not the traditional black or cream but still works well with the fabric. Match the color of this top to your darkest denim and wear it with a nude or chocolate brown heel for a chic, monochromatic look. The cinched waist and see-through tummy adds sex appeal without being vulgar. Buy it at piperlime.com.

3. Joie Elvia Lace Top $198 – I love this top in black or cream. You can dress it up with a mini-skirt and boots or heels, or take it downtown with wide leg jeans, a studded belt and clogs. It would also look adorable with simple flats and dark skinny jeans, alone or under a blazer. Buy it at shopbop.com.

4. Twelve Dances Skimmers $138 – These pretty black ballet flats are light enough to start wearing in the warm weather with skirts and dresses but will take you well into the fall paired with dark or black denim, black pants, leggings or tights.  Buy them at Anthropologie.com.

5. Stretch Floral Lace Stirrup Legging (in black) $42 – These may look a tad racy but with simple flat boots (black, over-the-knee would be my preference) and an oversized tunic sweater or dress, they will make your boring staples bold. Buy them at americanapparel.net.

6. Free People All Pucker Lace Camisole $48 – Worn under a blazer or silky button-down, this cami is a discreet, sexy-sweet accent. Buy it at shopbop.com.

7. BB Dakota Issac Lace Skirt in Black $70 – If you want to try this trend but are a little intimated, I’d recommend this mini. Wear it with a boxy black sweater and nude patent pumps and you have a super classy ensemble for an evening out. Switch out the pumps for flats and you tone down the trend completely. And when you start to feel daring, try it with an over-the-knee boot in an unexpected color, like slate or maroon. But it at revolveclothing.com.

8. Pavonine Throw Back in Ivory $127 – A sexy but comfortable top with a dramatic back cutout is my perfect Saturday night outfit. That way I can enjoy dinner in something loose fitting and still turn heads! I like how it is styled with a peek-a-boo black bra and bright pants. It would also work with a nude cami and dark or black jeans. Endless possibilities and a great price! Buy it at revolveclothing.com.

xoxo Melina

It’s officially summertime and if you haven’t noticed this trend yet, the MKIAs are here to help. Like you, we are ready to show some skin in this supremely versatile style. These neutral numbers go with literally anything – colorful, flowy dresses, your favorite LBD or jeans and a blazer. They also make legs look longer, leaner and tanner. That alone should be reason enough to invest in a pair!

The styles we are featuring range from the reasonably priced to some you’d need a good reason to buy. Here are our current favorite flops, flats, sky-high pumps, and everything in between:

1. “The Sparkly Knockout” – Christian Louboutin Glitter Pump: $595. Like a sexy modern Dorothy, click your heels three times in these and go somewhere fabulous. I absolutely love these and could wear them for many a night on the town.

2. “The Back to the Beach Thong Sandal” – K Jacques Valerie T-Strap Sandal: $240. Throw these in your beach bag and head to the coast! These infamous sandals are what European women live in during the warm summer months.

3. “The Peek-A-Toe Sandal” – L.A.M.B Quincy Platform Pumps: $245. The laser cutouts give personality to these simple-yet-chic basics.

4. “The ‘Take Me to Italy!’ Wedge” – J.Crew Sardinia Wedge Espadrilles in Dusty Blossom: $118. When I wear these, I’m transported back to the sun-kissed, breezy Amalfi Coast where fashion is chic and effortless. The heel is the perfect height: low enough for everyday-wear and high enough for dressing up an evening outfit. I’ve worn these to work, shopping with friends, and on dates. I’ve already convinced both of my roommates to buy them. Love!

5. “The Practical Ballerina” – Kors Michael Kors Olympia Ballerina Flat: $165. Patent Leather with a delicious nude-pink hue and a sleek, simple design, these adorable flats will be a very popular staple in your wardrobe.

6. “The Modern Marvel” – Boutique 9 Thomsina in Natural: $110. Modern design at a modest price.  What’s not to like?  Melina recently purchased these to bring on a long trip to Spain and she swears they go with over half of her outfits! We know she won’t be packing light but at least she’s trying to pack smart.

7. “The Forget-Me-Knot Flop” – Cooperative Braided Sandal: $24. The braided cotton straps on these are a perfect compliment to the nautical trend that’s so popular this season. But these can be worn anywhere on land (especially at that price!).

8. “The Naked Bombshell” – Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Sandal: $760. Soar to new heights and be runway ready with these trendy platforms. Yes, the heel on these is almost as steep as the price, but I’ve added them to my wish list (along with being able to afford my rent). A girl can dream!

9. “The MaryJane Francaise” – MaraisUSA Mulberry MaryJane Nude: $58. Perfect for strolling the cobblestone streets of Paris, or the glittering sidewalks of New York, these flats are an adorable twist on a classic.

With this selection, we know you will find a nude knockout (or two) to round out your summer wardrobe.

xoxo Lauren

Like what you see? We hand-picked this lovely little collection to showcase one of MKIA’s favorite online fashion retailers, Net-a-Porter. Unlike many of its competitors, Net-a-Porter is a solely virtual experience and as such is a standout among other online fashion destinations. Offering a vast, yet well curated assortment of high-end designers (Balmain, Balenciaga, Miu Miu) and mid-priced labels (A.P.C., Milly, Elizabeth and James), the site looks and feels like a cross between Bergdorf Goodman and the best boutiques in London and New York. And do they deliver!

Every order, no matter what the price point, arrives in a beautifully packaged gift box complete with a big bow. If you live in New York or London your fresh-off-the-runway fashion will arrive via courier by the end of the day and within 24 hours if you live elsewhere.  That’s right ladies, no need to track your order from Net-a-Porter, this is a high-end experience all the way and, like we said, it doesn’t matter how much you spend, you get the same five-star treatment. It’s all part of the site’s fantasy-style shopping experience and knowing you are getting something special when you spend your hard-earned cash. They make returns easy too with free shipping and self-addressed labels.

Featured above and listed here are some of our favorite summer selections available at Net-a-Porter now (from left to right, top to bottom):  Tibi Watercolor Silk Dress $380, Belle by Sigerson Morrison Strappy Lattice Espadrille Wedges $240, Alice + Olivia Striped Cotton Skirt $165, Kova & T Ella Silk Shirt Dress $295, T -Bags Batwing Blouse $170, Diane von Furstenberg Juntas Cutout Mini Skirt $345

As a testament to the success of the site, the founder, Natalie Massanet, is now an e-commerce heroine having just sold her shares for $76 million to Richemont luxury group, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chloe and Dunhill. Not bad boss lady. Don’t worry the brains haven’t left the business, Massanet will continue to head the company!

The best thing about this cute revival style is their versatility. Skirts are a great way to show off clogs (and your legs). We prefer them with skirts that hit mid-thigh and just above the knee or a maxi. Clogs also look great with shorts, as long as they are slightly loose and not too short. Bell bottom or wide leg jeans are their obvious counterpart but we also love them with ankle-length skinnies (this will show off your pretty ankles) and straight-legs that hit just at the bridge of the foot (this will create a long, slim leg line).

The styles featured above are our favorite picks: (1) I have two pairs of these Swedish Hasbeens Slip In Super High Clogs that I bought at Endless.com. They come in a rainbow assortment of colors from a gorgeous, dark drown bordeaux to a more fun mustard.  If you have never been on the Endless website, I would highly recommend taking a look at this prolific purveyor of shoes and bags. They have hundreds of styles from designer brands to more affordable labels and they offer free overnight shipping and free return shipping for up to a year. (2) The Jeffrey Campbell Charlie Clog is available online at one of our favorite retail destinations, Singer22.com, and comes in tan and black. (3) The No6 Store’s Double Kitty Clog comes in a variety of colors and leathers and features a funky design with tassles and kilties. You can find them at the No. 6 store in Manhattan’s Little Italy or on their small, boutique website no6store.com.

A few things before you buy – Check the sizing recommendations.  Clogs tend to run small and normally you should go up a full size.  Also, the heel should measure at least 3″, remember this includes the platform so any shorter will not be flattering. We hope you will agree that this is a trend worth trying, we think it’s a fun way to look stylish and still be comfortable!

]]> http://www.missknowitall.com/get-this-seasons-fun-fashion-trend-clogs/feed/ 0 http://www.missknowitall.com/rain-boots-on-the-go/ http://www.missknowitall.com/rain-boots-on-the-go/#comments Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:07:09 +0000 Melina http://www.missknowitall.com/?p=422

Perfect for the gal on the go, these unique rain boots by the Japanese company Amaort are lightweight and extremely packable. They even come with their own bag! Wear them as traditional knee-highs, or scrunch them down for that trendy slouched look. Either way, these wellies are stylish and practical.

I first spotted them in the Roberta Freyman store in NYC but unfortunately they are not sold on their website. So in MKIA style, I scoured the web for a source and finally found them at GetOutsideShoes.com. This nifty Canadian retailer does charge a hefty shipping fee ($25), but with a price tag of only $79, we still think they are a steal.

So bring on the rain!  In these you’ll always be prepared to be both dry and cute.