Leather Skirts for Fall from DvF and 3.1 Phillip Lim

imageI saw a leather miniskirt while shopping the other day and was instantly drawn to it, but instantly wondered if I could pull it off. I decided against it, but then– while perusing the fashion pages later– I came across a couple of gems which helps to quell my fears of leather. I love the pleated leather mini from 3.1 Phillip Lim; it is a take on the popular skater skirt silhouette. I plan to pair it with black tights and it will look great with platform ankle booties too. Another leather skirt that caught my eye is this leather pencil skirt from Diane von Furstenberg. It works perfectly for the office as well as for after work cocktails when paired with classic leather pumps.

From our friends at TheFind.

Parisian Design House Cop Copine To Open In SF’s Union Square Tomorrow!

imageWhen news gets out that a chic overseas design house is moving stateside, you almost immediately assume NYC. And most of the time, you’re right- just look to Uniqlo, Topshop, Muji, even last fall’s Colette pop-up shop for proof. NYC doesn’t get to have all the fun though- San Francisco’s credibility as a city with a fashion scene to watch is on the rise, the most recent example of which is Cop Copine of Paris, the avant-garde French design house that’s opening its first U.S. boutique in SF’s Union Square tomorrow. Their summer collection is full of breezy tops, structured dresses, unexpected cuts, and wonderfully layered pieces in an assortment of mix-and-match neutral hues. Also not to be missed- their outerwear, most notably the raincoats- they’re just the thing to brighten up this so-called “summer” we’ve been having in SF (and pretty much the only way we’d ever be seen buying coats in August). Visit Cop Copine tomorrow at 343 Powell St (at Post St.) and preview the collections at cop-copine.com.

Define Your Style (And Your Waist) With A Thick Belt

imageTrust me, even under wraps, your curves have a lot to say in the name of style. A big trend to tap back into this season is thick belts, and not only are they a great way to hide or accentuate what your mama gave you, the mere addition of any belt, especially a thick one, can change the entire look of your outfit. For those of you with a sense of style that changes as often as the tabloids’ latest gossip, a big belt can be an economical fix to your ever-morphing expression. Fringe, layers, studs and buckles on these babies are among many different elements to choose from in helping you define what kind of flare you’d like to add to your ever-changing fashion mood. Check out the slideshow for some hip suggestions to add to your collection of thick belts!

view slideshow

Ready, Set, Prep: The Best Makeup Primers For Your Eyes, Lips, & Face

imageAs the ultimate makeup junkie, I have a tough time saying no to a new shadow shade, lip color, or nail hue… and it certainly shows in my inability to organize it all. But now that my makeup collection has successfully taken over every drawer, zip case, surface, nook and cranny of my humble abode, I’m starting to resist the urge to buy more and more pots of colors that I’ll probably never use more than once. Instead, I’ve narrowed my focus to scouting out the newest and best priming products that can help make the most of the colors I already have for easy application, flawless appearance, and maximum smudge-free wear all day long. I love the way Smashbox’s face primer gives my skin a smoother, even tone and a less oily-looking complexion under my powder, and now that I’ve tried Urban Decay’s eyeshadow primer potion, I can’t understand how I lived without it in the first place! Designed to target specific problem areas like the appearance of pores, uneven redness, or runny eyes, today’s best primers are bound to keep your makeup in check and have you looking like a million bucks, even with the same shades you already have! Check the slideshow to see a slew of splurge-worthy products that can help keep your makeup in place on your eyes, lips, lashes, and face!

view slideshow

Nicole Richie to Partner With A Pea in the Pod!

imageWe love Nicole Richie’s style. And we love that, even when she’s pregnant, she still looks extremely well put-together and fashionable. She doesn’t let a little baby weight get her down! And now she’s bringing her maternity style to everyone. Nicole’s getting ready to have her second baby and the girl looks good. And now she’s partnering up with A Pea in the Pod to bring her maternity fashions to everyone. According to Nicole, “A Pea in the Pod and I joined to create a capsule collection of maternity wear that will be available in stores this summer. Last weekend I shot some images for the campaign with one of my favorite photographers, James White. I’m really excited for you all to see the new collection.” The Pea in the Pod clothing line is due out at the end of the summer (get it, due?!) and we can’t wait to see what it looks like. Knowing Nicole Richie, it’s going to be pretty, bohemian chic designs and we’ll probably love it. We can definitely see lots of moms-to-be wanting to look as chic as the pregnant Nicole! It’s also been said that Nicole Richie and boyfriend Joel Madden are furnishing the entire baby nursery in a green, environmentally-friendly manner. As the years go by, we just like Nicole Richie more and more! To see more about Nicole Richie and her A Pea In The Pod partnership, click on over to our friends at Limelife!

Something Old, Something New: Vintage-Inspired Wedding Dresses

imageAge is beauty. While our bodies don’t get fresher with age, ever-evolving styles continually make for a modern getting-married look. While delving into wedding albums of your grandmother’s 1920 wedding may be a step in the wrong, scary and conservative direction (think Christina Ricci’s primordial Halloween costume in the movie Casper), you can achieve a more sophisticated look by getting a gown that’s some kind of half-breed between old and new. If you’re looking for a blast of the past to solidify your look’s elegance, keep the familiar sexy shapes, but add a touch of time with some lace, flapper-like pleats, or big rounded shoulders to infuse a vintage flair. Antiquing your gown’s adornments and color palate is a beautiful way to season your wedding ceremony. A bride in vintaged garb casts a lasting iconic image that sends a shrill of pure, virtuous love with just one look. Looks from yesteryear are never completely over and done, so consider a tip from this slideshow for an exquisite taste of a bygone bride.

view slideshow

Buzzworthy Deals From Tulle, La Garconne, Benefit Cosmetics, And More!

imageSuper cheap clothes that aren’t from F21, free samples, a mystery shoe sale… today’s Buzzworthy Deals are sure to brighten your day. Smile!

Spend $35 at Benefit and get a free california kissin’ lip shine! Plus, get free shipping on any $50 order with code PRETTY50. All orders come with 2 free samples!

For one day only (uh, today) Tulle’s vintage-inspired wares are marked down to unbelievably low prices- trust us when we say you’ll spend more on your lunch.

Today’s the last day to take an extra 20% off sale items at La Garconne (code SUMPROMO2). This needs to end already; I can’t stare at discounted but still out of reach A.P.C. clothes for much longer. Grrr.

Psst! DSW is said to be receiving a special designer shipment on Thursday, August 6th. Hint: interlocking letters that are not C’s. Rhymes with Pucci. Mark your calendars, people! Click over to Madison Avenue Spy to see participating locations.

Show Some Skin In A Chic Cutout Dress!

imageRemember the ’90s? When models weren’t just models, they were supermodels. The glamazons graced the covers of magazines and walked the red carpet just as often as the runway. They strutted their stuff in sexy body-con frocks; who could forget Cindy Crawford’s strappy black mini or Elizabeth Hurley’s safety-pinned skintight Versace gown? While those times may seem like a forgotten era, at least their way of dressing has come back in style. It’s been hard to ignore the all the body conscious dresses out there! Ever since the return of Herve Leger, the fashion world just can’t get enough. But now the snug silhouette has turned even more daring! Designers have been snipping and clipping into these dresses, giving us a whole new way to be revealing. Some designers, like Stella McCartney and Black Halo, have gone the subtle route, offering strappy, open cut outs around the shoulders. Another subtle way to rock this trend is with a cut out back, like Charlotte Ronson’s exposed zipper mini dress! Or for a cheap fix try the Spring & Clifton cut out dolman tunic. Some designers have even opted to give you cut outs with out actual skin showing but replacing some areas of fabric with micro-mesh. My favorite is the Two Toned Mini Dress from American Apparel. But if you really want to embody that sex pot ’90s style, you have to go all out with some daring mid drift cut outs a la Alexander Wang! See the slideshow for the cutout dresses on my wishlist.

view slideshow

Hot In The Hive: Shu Uemura Tokyo Lash Bar 2009

imageIt’s tough walking into a Sephora lately without being overwhelmed by the store’s display of false eyelashes, boasting an impressive variety of designs, cuts, and colors ranging from modest to Vegas showgirl. However, the 2009 additions to Shu Uemura’s Tokyo Lash Bar bring a level of innovation to your peepers that put any collection human-looking lashes to shame. Designed by the company’s top creative minds from across the globe and inspired by nature scenes, the collection’s premium edition lashes channel snowflakes and ski slopes with “snow twist,” crisp autumn leaves with “goldglam leaf,” and the ocean waves with “marine tide,” just to name a few. While the designs may not be practical for an everyday night out on the town, you can’t deny that they’re gorgeously inventive! You could always stock up for next Halloween…

Price: $79 a pair
Who Found It: lindsaytimberlake was the first to add the Shu Uemura Tokyo Lash Bar 2009 to the Hive.

Nikita Brings Some “Not So Basics” From The Streets To Karmaloop!

imageFounded eight years ago in Iceland by Heida Birgisdottier, Nikita reigns as one of the coolest streetwear brands out there. Their Fall collection is now available at Karmaloop.com! With each season, Nikita’s look continues to develop – dope styles are created and the freshest designs are cut. This collection reflects the ease of urban streetwear, including more artist alliances, such as the brand’s exciting collaboration with Signe Emdal, a high-quality textile designer from Denmark. Together, Nikita and Edmal have produced an ill knits category, featuring unique styles. Zipped, buttoned, hooded, high neck and bat-wing, the knits come in a variety of striking colors, patterns and designs. Nikita’s jacket collection is also made to withstand all weather conditions, keeping you ladies warm, dry and looking fly. Nikita’s Not So Basic Hoodies is probably the most coveted line out of the whole collection. Their hoodies remain a strong selling category and maintains being Nikita’s own cut and sew pattern. Upgrade your Fall look with The Faithful Sweater in Adriatic Blue, The Exile Hoody in Gray, and The Dark Star Dress, and the other urban finds in the slideshow, all available at Karmaloop!

view slideshow