When it comes to accessories, fashionphiles understand that exotic skins come with exotic prices… But when the price of a handbag becomes higher than the cost of actually visiting the country from which it came, things can get ridiculous.  

Enter, Alexandra DeClaris, the London educated, New York based designer - focused on creating luxurious handbags at significantly more affordable prices.  While the bags (which begin around $800 a piece) are not exactly cheap, neither is the quality.  Each brightly colored clutch and louche lizard skin hobo is impeccably executed to the standards of many similar designs on the market, designs that range upwards of 10 times the price.  Personally, I’m obsessing over this tangerine stingray jewel, and this show-stopping red tote.  But how amazing is this natural lizard envelope clutch?!  It’s basically the only clutch you’ll ever need!

While each piece is lined in a signature pink suede, Alexandra’s bags bare no other outward logos - allowing the simple designs and luxury of the materials to be proof enough of their quality.  All of the skins are CITES certified, and Alexandra takes care to personally oversee her factories to ensure the most responsible manufacturing possible.  

So how does she do it?  Click below for my interview with the designer, and learn how and why she began her company, and why she’s one to watch… PLUS get a code for 30% off on the website for a limited time only!

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Grace Kelly’s affinity for the performing arts extended far beyond her own acting career, as she encouraged young performers in many ways during her lifetime.  Today, a foundation in her name continues this support by awarding worthy, new talent in the categories of dance, theatre and film.  The Princess Grace Foundation celebrated it’s 30th Anniversary gala last night at Cipriani 42nd Street, and I was lucky enough to share in the spectacle.  And it was quite a spectacle… From the most elegant to the … less so, the guests were a mix of Upper East Side social fixtures, fashion folk and creative celebrities alike.  In attendance were the likes of Geena Davis, Judith Light, Robert Verdi, Leslie Odom, and of course the current Prince and Princess of Monaco, just to name a few.  

Click below for photos from the event and what I wore!

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- Diana Vreeland 

[Jill Sander, LWren Scott, Peter Som]
 

Webster defines the peplum as = “A short flared, gathered, or pleated strip of fabric attached at the waist of a woman’s jacket, dress, or blouse.”  But this season, the peplum is that and so much more… The feminine shape graced numerous runways in every possible incarnation, even branching beyond the aforementioned definition to include skirts.  Tailored and trim at the waist, the peplum is a great way to create an hourglass figure, whether or not Mother Nature has blessed you with one.  But like many trends, it can be tricky…

Click through for my tips on HOW to wear the peplum style, and a round up of the best peplums in every category!

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Dear Natty –

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Stylist and friend Natalie Decleve AKA Natty Style in the shop sporting our women’s silk shirt “Bird of Paradise”.  She often arranges appointments with me when helping men update their wardrobe, and I am happy to see she just received a well deserved write up in Buzz Feed.  Check it here!

[CLICK HERE] to view full post on SSV’s blog!

A few minutes before 6 on a recent Thursday evening, I open my Manhattan apartment door for a tall, thin, pretty woman with long blonde hair in a perfectly tousled side braid. She’s wearing a gray maxi dress, flat black sandals, a black waist-belt, oversized black blazer, and big black floppy hat — and looks like she just walked off the Saint Laurent runway in Paris. (Or Pinterest.) Black floppy hats often victimize regular people, but this woman is clearly one of those not-average, blessed individuals with a sense of style so innate she could wear anything — gorilla arms, a Nicole Richie headband, a fedora — and make it look not just good, but necessary. She clearly knows how to dress herself — and I hope she can do the same for me. This is Natalie Decleve, my new stylist, who’s going to try to turn me into someone who dresses with similar ease and considered sense of fashion…

[CLICK HERE] for the full article on Buzz Feed!

*Huge thanks to Amy Odell for writing this awesome piece!

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Thisweek, Alexis Bledel hosted a dinner celebrating Beckley by Melissa; boutique-owner-turned-designer, Melissa Ackawway’s latest collection.  The soiree was held at the Mondrian Soho, where party goers browsed iPads loaded with images from the website, in a setting fit for Alice in Wonderland.  The whimsical decor was a perfect match for the collection, which is anchored by quirky prints like candy stripes and pastel beetles.  I’ve got my eye on the silk blouse and chiffon skirt set, which will soon be mine thanks to the generous gift card we received!  In attendance were some of the best in the biz, including Elle Creative Director Joe Zee, celebrity stylist Mia Morgan, PR maven Veronica Borchers & more.  

Little did I know that stripes would be the theme of the evening, but apparently I chose my outfit wisely!  [Click below] for more photos from the party, plus what I wore.

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