Seeing Spots

This season, I am loving leopard! The print seems to adorn every rack and shelf in all of my favorite stores. I am so glad I already have Elie Tahari patent leather leopard flats (most comfortable pair of flats I own, may I add) and a Free People leopard fur coat from last season. Of course, I could easily compile a wishlist of all my fave new leopard finds for this season:

1. Steven by Steve Madden ‘Madee’ slip-on                                                      This slip-on loafer with its menswear inspired aesthetic is sleek for the office with just the right amount of ferocity! (Nordstrom, $119.95)

2. BCBG Maxazria ‘Dorin’ strapless leopard-print dress                             A chose this dress because I am in love with its silhouette. Its asymmetrical hem reminds me of designs by Alexander McQueen. The dress has a cut that appears futuristic and edgy. (BCBG Max Azria, $448)

3. Rebecca Minkoff ‘Kate’ pocket shirt                                                                    I never tire of a good, sheer blouse. This Rebecca Minkoff leopard blouse is amazing because it so versatile. It would look great with red colored denim,  or classic blue jeans.  It is definitely a blouse that can be styled conservatively for the office or glammed up for a night out (imagine it paired with a black leather mini!). (Rebecca Minkoff, $278)

4. Sally Hansen Salon Effects in ‘Kitty Kitty’                                              Fashion yourself a leopard mani with these wild nail polish strips (sold at most pharmacies, about $8)

5. J. Crew skinny leopard patent belt                                                                This belt is perfect if you want to add just a touch of leopard to your ensemble. (J. Crew, $39.50)

6. BCBG Max Azria leopard-print smartphone case                                  What I love about this phone case (besides its purrrrfect leopard spots) is that it has handy compartments for your license, credit cards, and cash. Grab this case and you have just what you need to carry around all your essentials! (BCBG Max Azria, $48)9

7. Rebecca Minkoff cheetah haircalf M.A.C.                                                    My favorite clutch by Rebecca Minkoff just reaches new levels of amazingness now that it comes in cheetah print haircalf. (Rebecca Minkoff, $395)

8. Giuseppe Zanotti cutout wedge sandal                                                    These shoes are on another level. To say I am obsessed with them would be an understatement. They’re sky high, pony hair, and leopard print – ah-mazing! (Barneys, $930)

9. Tory Burch animal print cuff with logo studs                                               A great way to rock a little leopard on your wrists. (Tory Burch, $95)

Haute Heels

The newest trend in shoes that has got me ooh-ing and ahh-ing and swooning at the department store are pairs that have heels with striking details. So statement making! Make shoes with decorative heels the focus of any ensemble by wearing them with jeans and a white tee or an LBD. Here are my picks:

1. Vince Camuto ‘Enita’ pump ($110)                                                                       I just ordered these from the Shoebox, and I can’t wait for them to arrive! I tried them on in bone patent leather, but I decided on black to match the dress I am wearing to a wedding I’ll be attending next weekend. As far as heels go, these are insanely comfortable. The heel features geometric forms, making them unique. I am beyond in love with these hot heels!

2. Steve Madden ‘Partyy-R’ ($130)                                                                   These heels look as if they were made for a Barbie doll. They are super-girly and totally cute!

3. Sam Edelman ‘Lorissa’ ($200)                                                                    Unleash your inner rockstar with this spiked out pair of heels by Sam Edelman. These shoes scream tough-girl chic. They come in so many fabulous colors, it’s almost hard to decide which is my fave. I chose the nude leather pair for their versatility, although the light denim are also pretty hard to resist.

4. Miu Miu jeweled heel platform pump ($1,195)                                           At a price tag of over $1,000, this Miu Miu pair is without a doubt a splurge. They are just so beautiful, I’d equate wearing them to wearing a piece of artwork. What do you think of this pair? I think they are the epitome of glamor and elegance.

xx-LMG

Latest Lustworthy Picks

1. Proenza Schouler ‘PS1’ medium leather satchel                                          I am swooning over the structured look of this satchel, not to mention the striking hardware and the teal hued leather. Absolutely stunning!

2. Cartier Love Bracelet                                                                                           Only one word to describe this bracelet: Classic.

3. Dara Ettinger ‘Lori’ three-bezel cluster disco ring                            Maybe it’s because it shares my moniker, or the sparkle of the rainbow druzy stone, or maybe it’s that its shape is unlike that of any other ring I’ve seen before….All I know is I feel drawn to this ring. It’s so unique, SO LUSTWORTHY!

4. J.Crew silk ‘Elodie’ blouse in graffiti green                                               This blouse is a great staple piece for every girl’s wardrobe. I definitely plan on purchasing it. J.Crew’s new color palate for Fall is so impressive, it’s almost difficult to decide on this top in just one color; however, I’m obsessing over the vivid jewel tone of the graffiti green – AH-MAZING.

5. DL1961 super stretch mid-rise straight leg jeans                             DL1961 jeans are made with four-way stretch denim, so they will never wear out and always fit perfectly. I have the ‘Betty’ cropped style from DL1961, but plan on purchasing the straight leg style for Fall. They really are the most comfortable and flattering jeans around!

6. Suede MacAlister boot                                                                                         This pick also comes from J.Crew. These boots are super comfy and casually cool, kinda like a classed up version of Ugg boots.

7. OPI Nail Laquer in Cuckoo For this Color                                                     I’d usually only report on the newest releases in nail polish colors; however, this was my favorite color last Fall and matches so perfectly with the graffiti green J.Crew silk blouse. Naturally, I’ll have to restock my polish collection with this shade of deep, metallic turquoise.

From My Closet to Yours

I went on a bit of a shopping spree recently, and wanted to share my new purchases. All of the latest additions to my closet are so amazing, I just couldn’t keep them to myself!

1. Diane von Furstenberg ‘Retro’ Round Sunglasses

I have quite the collection of designer shades, but this pair is unlike any I have ever owned. This is my first pair of round-shaped sunnies! I also love the color of these (which alternatively come in black or white) and the silver mirroring at the bridge and temples. Diane could not have been more spot-on when she named them the ‘Retro’, they are so 1960’s hippie chic!

2. Jennifer Zeuner Initial Pendant Necklace

Monograms add a personalized touch to any outfit. This necklace is actually quite a popular trend, so I can’t say I’m unique in sporting mine; however, compliments abound every time I wear my silver version of the necklace, with my first initial L.

3. Rebecca Minkoff ‘Mini Mac Convertible Clutch’

The ostrich leather on this purse is so beautiful. Rebecca Minkoff makes quality purses at affordable prices and the Mini Mac is the perfect sized purse to take with you from day to night. I bought mine in a metallic army green color, and I can’t wait to carry this purse for the rest of Summer and well into the Fall.

4. Free People lace crop top

This lace crop top looks great layered over a simple tank and paired with denim cutoffs. Such a cute and fun piece for summer! I found mine on sale at Loehmann’s (one of my favorite stores for bargain-hunting); however if you don’t feel like sifting through the racks, click the link above to buy the top online at Bluefly.com, also at discount price.

5. Jeffrey Campbell ‘Lita’

I had been lusting after a pair of Jeffrey Campbell ‘Lita’ boots for awhile, saved my hard-earned cash, and finally purchased them! I bought them at a shoe boutique in NYC called Strut of NY (near Union Square), but they can be found online at stores like Free People, Revolve Clothing, and Singer22. The platforms on these are FIERCE and when I wear them it feels like I’m walking on stilts. They come in a variety of crazy colors and patterns, but I opted for neutral taupe for my first pair.

What do you think of my fashion finds? I’m off to the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Met today to satisfy my thirst for fashion. More to come soon!

<3lori.morgan

Hermès Collier de Chien: The Look for Less

Sometimes it feels good to splurge on designer items, while there other times where the item just isn’t worth the insane price tag. I mean, who  doesn’t love a good deal? One of the best stores to find fabulous fashion for less is Forever 21 (obviously!). It’s a hit or miss, but when I find a good bargain there, it feels so amazing that I have to tell all my friends. This past weekend, I happened to find this bracelet:

A look alike of the Hermès Collier de Chien! I paid $9.80. It retails for $1,050.

I have been an admirer of this bracelet ever since I saw one of my favorite style icons, Rachel Zoe, sporting it on her Bravo television show. This chunky cuff  makes such a bold statement with its monster-sized spikes.  Since the real deal comes with a sky high price tag, I’m content with my under $10 steal. Other celebs that have rocked the Hermès CDC include Blake Lively, Nicole Richie, Victoria Beckham, Jessica Alba, and Katie Holmes.

Only one word for the bracelet: BA-NA-NAS

It looks like Forever 21 also carries a look-alike of the double wrap Hermès leather bracelet. The Forever version retails for $6.80 while the real deal will cost you $520.

You can purchase the double wrap version on the Forever 21 website. Such a steal!

Friendship Never Looked More Fashionable

This new trend makes me a bit nostalgic for the days when I was younger and went to camp in the summertime.  As a camper, friendship bracelets were a huge deal. In my bunk we would make them for each other, and wear them on our wrists or ankles all summer until they became so worn they fell off. You can imagine my excitement when I noticed an amped up version of these bracelets popping up everywhere. Allow me to break down my favorite blinged out friendship bracelets…

I absolutely love the Frieda and Nellie bracelets. Each is one-of-a-kind and handmade (just like the ones I used to make with my camp besties!) and therefore wins the top spot on my friendship bracelet list. I would love to have one of these unique bracelets to call my own…

They can be found at Barney’s CO-OP and Henri Bendel in New York and Le Bon Marche in Paris.

I also am a fan of Michelle Roy‘s take on the friendship bracelet. Her version is also fairly less expensive than Frieda and Nellie’s line. You can purchase the bracelets on the Michelle Roy website or from Boutique To You. Apparently Lauren Conrad is also smitten with the collection…

Hi Lauren, will you be my bff? Can we exchange Michelle Roy bracelets? Does Lo have one too?

Because I can’t get enough of this trend, here’s some more:

1. Stephan & Co. ‘Braided Cord & Chain Bracelet’ (Nordstrom, $12) – STEAL ALERT!

2. Juicy Couture ‘Embellished Friendship Bracelet’ (Bloomingdales, $38)

3. Kris Nations ‘Blue Lapis Friendship Bracelet’ (Max and Chloe, $70)

4. Ariel Gordon ‘Silk Friendship Bracelet’ (Max and Chloe, $108)

5. Links of London ‘Color Mix Friendship Bracelet’ (Bloomingdales, $225)

6. Shashi ‘Original One-Row Bracelet’ (Bloomingdales, $70)

If you’re feeling creative you can always DIY with this awesome kit from American Eagle ($12.50). It comes with 12 different colors of string and an instruction booklet so you’re good to go. Next, look for old pieces stashed in your jewelry box or head to a craft store to find charms or studs for added pizzazz!

XO, lori.morgan

OMG, I’m back again.

I haven’t blogged on here in awhile…OMG, I’m back again. Didyaa miss me?!

I started this blog mostly for fun; a creative outlet for me to share my findings (fashion related and otherwise) with my friends and whoever else happens to stumble across it. A lot has happened to me since the last post I created in August ’10. Over the summer I was transitioning from life as a college senior to life as an adult in this big, crazy, real world. Needless to say, I was busy figuring everything out. I moved from the Syracuse University campus, back home to suburbia, and now, I currently live in Manhattan, taking each day as it comes. I have my first real job working in media and a fabulous apartment in the center of it all. I feel so fortunate to live in one of the greatest cities in the world, where art, culture, and fashion among other things inspire me each day. Not only am I grateful to be where I am today, but I also feel so appreciative of all the friendships and wonderful relationships in my life. I am not trying to get too personal with this blog, but my hope is to blog more frequently this time around. I hope you like what I have to share.

XO, LMG

I Die For : Trouve

Recently I discovered the brand Trouve while shopping at Nordstrom. I bought three key pieces for fall…all Trouve! Does it sound like I’m obsessed? The Drop Stitch Sweater in black is great for layering and I love it paired with the Knit Motorcycle Leggings. However, the ‘Sabrina’ distressed ankle boot is by far the best purchase I made. Combat boots are definitely a must-have for fall. The boots are also available in black, but I opted for the natural color. What do you think of these pieces by Trouve? Will you be rocking combat boots this fall?

<3lorimorgan

Vogue Somewhere Over the Rainbow

In love with this Wizard of Oz themed spread in the December ’05 issue of Vogue. Photographed by Annie Leibovitz starring Keira Knightly.

Stunning.

xx<3 -lorimorgan

Wallet-worthy Wedges

Last summer I was all about the cute flat sandals – gladiators, metallic, embellished…I could go on and on. With so many different styles, flat sandals were always sure to keep me feeling fashionable AND comfortable. For summer 2010; however, wedges have kicked my sandals to the curb. Wedges are not only comfortable, but they are extremely trendy this season and propel my petite 5’1 self a few inches closer to the sky.

With that, I give you my top picks for wedges this season as well as looks for less 🙂

The pairs I purchased:

I thought it was best to invest in a pair of good neutral colored wedges as well as a black pair…

1. Twelth Street by Cynthia Vincent – Amber Platform Wood Wedge $395

I had to have these! Here, the gladiator style is combined with a wedge to create a look that is totally outrageous. The gold on this sandal makes them pop, plus they are super comfortable. These shoes are all you need to bring excitement to a simple outfit. They were expensive, but totally worth the money. You can find them on SALE at Lord and Taylor for $239.99.

2. Sam Edelman – Kinley $150

These black wedges are super-high and kind of edgy, with minimal stud detailing. They are also one of the most comfortable pair of shoes I own because the footbed is made from a squishy cork material. The buckles around the ankle hold my foot in tight, which is great because it keeps me from clumsily wobbling or tripping when I walk (a problem I experience sometimes with heels!). Additionally, these wedges can be found in suede in both taupe and blue.

Dying over:

3. Diane von Furstenberg – Opal Wedge Leather Sandals $295

I tried these on at Nordstrom and thought they were adorable and sooo comfortable. The brown wood is sure to look amazing with any outfit and they even have a cute charm hanging from the zippers at the back!

Other lust-worthy picks:

4. Jeffrey Campbell –Take Draped Wedge Sandals $110

Spotted these while browsing Singer 22’s website. I think they look pretty amazing, although I’ve never seen them in person. They can also be found on Shopbop and alternatively come in beige. For some reason they are more expensive on shopbop…go figure.

5. Jeffrey Campbell – Snick Platform Sandal $124.95

I love the style of these shoes! The chunky wood platform with the stud detailing is oh-so-70’s. I was this-close to purchasing them at Nordstrom, but the sizing was funny and they did not come in half sizes. Maybe you will have better luck with them. I opted for this pair of Via Spiga heels instead, which are a similiar style and may I add, the most comfortable pair of heels that I own.

6. Sam Edelman – Kasi Woven Wedge $138

My mom was looking for a perfect pair of summer wedges and I picked this pair out for her at Bloomingdale’s. They’re neutral, comfortable, and I love the woven look. She’s very happy with them. You can snag them on sale at Endless.

7. Jeffrey Campbell – Mary Roks Wedge $120

Love the laces, love the peep toe. Enough said. The grey color is unique, which I also love. They also are available in black.

8. Gap – Design Editions Floral Bow Wedge Sandals $110

I’m a big fan of girly floral prints, so I think this nude pair of wedges is fantastic with its large floral bow topping it off.

9. Jeffrey Campbell – Smith Wedge $120

The mix of tan, green, and blue in this shoe really makes them a stand out pair. I think these wedges are very boho chic and perfect to pair with a long flowy skirt or the olive green military cargos that are in style now (see earlier post). Plus, they are easy to take on and off because of their velcro ankle straps!

10. Cynthia Vincent – Mason Wedge Sandal $350

The big buckles and army green color of these wedges made them a must for my list of top picks!

The Look For Less:

If you’re on a budget, no need to worry. Here are some more of my favorite summer wedges alongside their less-expensive counterparts…

How ridiculous is the likeness?!?!

Cynthia Vincent Roma Wedges can be found at Bloomingdale’s or Piperlime. SALE ALERT! They have been reduced from their original price on both websites.

Steve Madden wedges can be found at Nordstrom or Steve Madden.

But wait, there’s more!

Designer Digs: Twelth Street by Cynthia Vincent – Luella Zip Wedge $405

Bargain: Steve Madden – Trackks Wedge $89

$teal: Cynthia Vincent for Target – Gladiator Wedge Sandal $29.99

Hope I gave you some good ideas and fashion inspiration!

<3lorimorgan