Second City Style Fashion Blog - Style, Luxury, Beauty & Shopping

Accessory Trends. Made in the Shade

I can't wait for summer! Or at least warmer temperatures and sunny skies. So, I have been thinking about sunglasses...as I usually do about this time of year. What look am I digging for Summer '08? Nothing new really. I love vintage inspired right now. The unique shapes and colors intrigue me. Anyone can own a pair of sunglasses with giant G's or C's on the frames, but why look like everyone else? Be unique.

Like what you see above? Shop the styles here.

- Lauren Dimet Waters

Accessories Report. The 10th Anniversary of the Fendi Baguette.

This week, Fendi presents its 10+ Project celebrating 10 years of its original IT-bag, the Fendi Baguette. The redesigned Baguette comes in an appropriate 10 new colors, including a blank slate version, complete with markers, that you can fill with your own stylish doodles. The interior of all the bags is lined with the child-like graffiti of the designer, Silvia Venturini Fendi, to inspire your own freehand designs. Our favorites of the 10 are...

...the Lemon Yellow Baguette, $995, which is a perfect color for Spring...

...the Silver Baguette, $995, to spice up the night...

...and the Paint Your Own Baguette, $1300, if you have the art skills to make it look killer.

Check out more colors and styles at the 10+ Project eLuxury page.

Get It Now. Tying One On.

Jacqueline Zenn for Second City Style Magazine

We obsess over luxurious bags, covet glamorous shoes, and crave sparkly jewelry; however, there is one accessory that can take any old outfit to the next fashionable level, yet it is consistently overlooked. What fabulous item is this, you might ask? That unassuming classic, the humble scarf.

Whether it is made of plush triple-ply cashmere, slippery silk or plain cotton, the right scarf can lend a certain je ne sais quoi to your look (something European women know very well). And while there are many gorgeous designer scarves, an inexpensive number sourced from a flea market can be just as stylish – a great scarf is one of the most egalitarian accessories.

Read more "Tying One On" here

 

Far Out Fashion. Steve Madden's New Kicks.

Steve Madden has been "inspired" by another designer yet again. This time, he draws on Nicholas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga's multi-colored shoe-boot, seen below:

Wow, that is a shoe fit for a sci-fi film about a not-so-distant future. Madden's redesign of this look is even less wearable, if cheaper.

Bukled Bright Multi $99.95

On the Steve Madden website, the shoe is advertised like this: "Show off your flair for fashion with these hip caged front multi fabric peep toe pumps. The textured leather and bold hardware make this pair a real show stopper." Show stopper, indeed. I would like to meet anyone who could wear these without people stopping to openly stare and gawk. Is it possible? Is there a place where this look is appropriate? Can they be considered wearable art, if they are knock-offs? But the real question is, why didn't Steve Madden spell "bukled" right? Yikes.

- Hayley Wells

Accessories Report. Stella McCartney: Adding Lennon Shades to Her Mix?

Stella McCartney RTW Spring 2008

According to WWD, sunglass manufacturer Luxottica Group SpA has signed an agreement with Stella McCartney to design, produce and distribute Stella McCartney sunglasses worldwide. The first collection will launch in summer of 2009. The company said McCartney “will personally follow each step of the creative process, together with the Luxottica design and product team.” The license agreement will last for an initial term of six years and is then automatically renewable for an additional five-year term.

McCartney first produced an eyewear range with Safilo in 2003, an agreement that expires at the end of 2008.

Source: WWD

Winter Weary? Carolina Amato Gives us the Accessories to Make It Till Spring

You've seen European women wearing them in the pages of British and Italian Vogue: the answer to the winter-spring transition, brightly colored opera-length gloves. And while your plain Jane black gloves may feel familiar you can't deny the secret desire to slide your manicured fingers into the smooth, buttery soft Carolina Amatos.

Found in the most desired luxury retail doors in the United States, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Macys and Lord  & Taylor, her goods have graced the pages of the countries most respected fashion publications from Vogue to W, Harpers Bazaar to the New York Times. Pretty and practical, they're a permanent additional to the stylish woman's wardrobe.

Staying Ahead of the Game. Sweet Spring Accessory: The Headband

I feel pretty, oh so pretty. Practical and posh: what more could a girl want this spring? This line from Amanda Tierney certainly evokes long drives through the countryside and the beginning of lazy afternoons. -- Joanne Molina, Senior Editor

Hair Accessories. The Final Frontier

I'm bored. I've done my nails in deep berry, bought some funky jewelry and am all set (for now) on the handbag front. What's left in accessories? How about the final frontier of hair? I want something fun and am tired of sticking a lapel pin through my upswept hair when I have somewhere formal to be, it's not that original anymore. 

Here are some easy and sophisticated choices to dress up a normally boring hairstyle:

Alex and Ani Thunderbird Pony-O $48.00 AlexandAni

Miu Miu Jewel Embellished Headband $225 Net-a-Porter


Gia Alessandra Fan Chignon Pin $27.50 Hair Boutique Marketplace

Tasha Jewel Metallic Silk Headbands $28.90 Nordstrom

Alex and Ani Vintage Stone Hair Comb $28.00 AlexandAni

Colette Malouf Metal Mesh Headband $84 Feng Junk

L. Erickson Large Swarovski Leaf Volume Barrette $102 FranceLux

For bountiful hair accessory shopping (and if you have an hour to kill) visit Hair Boutique Marketplace

We also love: Alex and Ani & FranceLux

- Lauren Dimet Waters

Bad Idea. Don't Buy This Necklace

What's wrong with this picture? Well aside from the fact the model is wearing a white bra under the dark plum top that we can clearly see, and the bra isn't very supportive which we can also clearly see...the necklace is just plain fugly. Worse still, it's navy. And patent.

These were on the fall runway, but we thought it was a joke. Or at least prayed. Please, don't look like a fashion victim and purchase this. We beg of you.

Cacharel navy patent bubble necklace $125 at Mick Margo

Obsession Confession: Brown Patent Accessories.

I recently asked Carol...what are you seeing that you are loving right now? "Brown patent leather!" You know what? The really dark patent leather is hot. I'm in!

Salvatore Ferragamo Saffiano Patent Tote $1,080 Saks Fifth Avenue

Brian Atwood Tori patent pumps $526 Net-a-Porter


Bulga Patent Tote $362.50 Shopbop

Tod's Ballerina Dee with Buckle $345 eLUXURY

Oscar de la Renta Larrabe frame bag $2,695 Net-a-Porter

Via Spiga 'Equis' Boot $245 Nordstrom

Dior Gaucho Croc-Stamped Patent Bag $2,390 eLUXURY

Tory Burch Uma Boot (OK, these are not patent, but they are brown and shiny so we love them) $357 Tory Burch


Jill Stuart 'Rivington Madeleine' Handbag $375 Nordstrom

- Lauren Dimet Waters