Trend Alert: Make A Statement With These Bold Necklaces!
Monday, March 12th, 2012
Trend we’re loving: Eccentric Statement Necklaces.
Don’t let this chic fad pass you by! Grab a couple of your favorite high-necked blouses (just about any collar works!) and pair with a new bib necklace from Bakers. This high street look makes us giddy with delight.
- Love that green blouse? Get the Cruise Top at Blue Bird Apparel!
Here are a few of our top picks from Bakers current Spring 2012 jewelry collection.
Which necklace do you need the most?! Tell us in the comments below.
Buy Now: What to Wear & Want This Valentine’s Day
Saturday, February 11th, 2012
Whether or not you have a Valentine, you deserve primo gifts this year–even if you have to buy them for yourself! Ask your other half to “surprise” you with flirty fuschia pumps, or buy a candy-apple-hued mini for your planned girls’ night out. Either way, be sure to commemorate February 14 by loading-up on all things pink and red. Unlike some dates of Valentines’ past, you’re bound to love them for years to come…
Images via polyvore.com
Spring 2012 Trend Spotlight: Handmade Heaven!
Thursday, January 26th, 2012
Continuing our in-depth look at the hottest trends for spring, Lindsay and I traveled over to a couple of boutiques which focus on handmade, re-purposed, and upcycled fashion! These shops support local artisans who painstakingly create beautiful and unique pieces, many being one-of-a-kind! For those of you who aren’t exactly familiar with the terms “re-purposed” and “upcycled,” they basically mean items that have been recreated from vintage or scrap articles, and turned into something new and fashionable! It’s an amazing trend that’s spun off from eco-friendly consciousness as well as every woman’s desire to own pieces unlike anything anyone else has.
Our first stop was Charm, a boutique for women who favor fashion-forward items created by local and independent artists. We were lucky enough to have the pleasure of speaking with the owner herself, Kari, who showed us a few of her favorite pieces!
Kari told us a little about Penny Rae Vintage, a label created by Melissa Rae Brown, who uses elements of vintage garments to create modern, chic items! Every item she designs is inspired by styles of the past, yet incorporate current fresh concepts:
Lindsay and I loved the mash-up of glitter dancewear fabric and colorful printed silks used in this adorable dress:
This piece was absolutely stunning in person! So feminine and flowy with it’s sheer overlay and lace details:
Another artist that Kari supports at Charm is Bluebird Denim, a line of handmade tops, jeans, and accessories designed by Anna Friss. Bluebird’s style is a mix of casual and feminine, focusing on contemporary silhouettes for ultimate wearability.
I fell in love with these two beautiful chiffon tunics featuring an ethereal shape and spring-ready color palette! I can totally see these paired with skinnies and wedge heels!
Kari noted that a lot of the artists she carries in Charm have been on a retro kick, designing accessories such as these adorable little floral turbans and jewel-toned, hand dyed silk scarves:
Love the look of dyed and printed scarves? get in on this trend with these currently available at Bakers:
On our way over to Maven, the next stop on our handmade trend search, I snapped a photo of Lindsay’s chic street style! Her neutral-toned trench is a must-have spring transitional piece, along with coordinating wedge booties!
Want to steal Lindsay’s street-chic look? Try her booties on for size:
Walking through the door at Maven, I was immediately blown away by all of the unique items I spotted within mere seconds! 
Maven is a fabulous shop that carries everything from handmade soaps and beauty products, independent artisan jewelry, to kitschy knick-knacks and gifts! I got a little photo happy, but everything in the store was too fun to not capture!
Check out these cute magnets and retro mug-shot coasters:
Lindsay just couldn’t live without these adorable hedgehog nail brushes. Such a fun and unique gift!
Maven creates their own luxurious soaps, bath bombs, and candles. We found everything from cupcake shaped bath fizzers to a line of body washes with fun names like “Little Black Dress” and “My Boyfriend’s T-shirt.”
Lindsay and I also got to chat with Katie Miller, co-founder of the handmade jewlery line Scarlett Garnet. Maven is one of only a handful of boutiques that carry the coveted line, and we were so excited to see a few of the latest pieces:
The Scarlett Garnet line features asymmetrical and architectural-like shapes for bold statements and makes use of brass, copper, and wood instead of traditional sterling and gold. Unusual, beautiful, and definitely conversational pieces!
Lindsay and I had such a fun time browsing these havens for handmade items!
Support your favorite local artists and don’t be surprised when your friends start raving about your unique style!
We love the Man Repeller: Gotta have MR. DANNIJO
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011
So… this may be (very) old news, but around here we’re in the habit of talking about what we love.
A while back, Man Repeller blogger Leandra Medine collaborated with Dannijo to create mr. dannijo – a collection of delightfully girly yet refreshingly playful (sound familiar?) accessories.
From the Sinatra collar – pictured below with a Herman bow clip – to the exquisitely silly mustache necklace, Salvador – we’re still wishing we had the means to buy a couple of each. Still. My favorite piece has got to be Hamish – a watch-esque cuff bracelet that doesn’t tell time. Why is this my favorite? I’ve got to credit Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen for getting people to stop asking me “Do you know that you’re wearing two watches?” – but I can officially credit Leandra Medine for putting an end to “So, you’re wearing a watch that doesn’t work,why?” (p.s. That’s what phones are for.)
And if you’re curious as to why we’re talking about this now, while the collection is nearing an ‘end’ of sorts – well that’s just it. This is your last chance, ladies & gents.
What’s your favorite piece?!
Accessory Trend: Leopard Print Jewelry
Friday, August 12th, 2011
Leopard, one of fall’s hottest trends is on everything from purses to pants this season- but jewelry? Can leopard be pulled off on your favorite jeweled accessory without overwhelming, or even cheapening the look of your outfit? After asking myself these very questions, I came to the conclusion, that yes, you can wear leopard print jewelry and keep your ensemble chic as ever.
You don’t want to wear a lot of the distinct animal print? Bakers’ Leopard Earrings 2 are perfect for adding a little bit of leopard into your ensemble while still being able to make a statement. And if you want to be even more modest with your leopard but still incorporate it into your everyday look, I highly recommend the leopard face watch by Geneva, which is also available at Bakers. Subtle yet versatile, you can wear Geneva’s leopard print watch with almost any ensemble and not have to worry about over-accessorizing (even if you wear it with another leopard print accessory). This fall, go wild with your style and add animal print your wardrobe, even if in the smallest amount, it will make a big statement.
Images via Bakers Shoes
Accessory Trend: Raw Rocks
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
Forget about polished diamonds and perfectly cut rubies. This season uncut gems are the must-have bejeweled accessory. Agate rings and uncut semi-precious stones like amethyst and citrine are going to rock your world. If you’re looking to add a burst of color to your ensemble, agate rings and pendents are the most colorful option. The natural stone which comes in hues like electric blue and bubblegum pink, is smooth, flat and has an almost glass-like consistency. I love the agate rock as a cocktail ring; large and eye-catching, all you need to spice up your look is to slip on an over-sized agate ring and your accessories are good to go.
While agate rocks have a smooth and polished look, opting for an or semi-precious uncut stone gives your look a bit more of a raw aesthetic. Uncut rocks like pyrite paired with metal chains have a rocker chic appeal, while citrine and even diamonds have a refined, yet rustic look. Where can you find uncut stones, you ask? Check out Maria Black and Rock Deco for beautifully set uncut gems and for an even broader selection check out Etsy shops like Janish Jewels and xVELVETx.
Images via Etsy
Accessory Trend: Silver Crosses
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010
Cross jewelry has made a major comeback in the past few months. Everywhere I look there seems to be a new take on thin silver cross jewelry, whether it’s accessorizing your outfit with a single drop earring or draped necklaces adorned with hundreds of little crosses, it seems as if this look is here to stay (or at least until next season). Cross jewelry is easy to wear. Just pair a single, skinny and slender cross pendant with a tee and jeans, giving your casual look an edgy appeal or add some silver cross bracelets to a black cocktail dress, separating you from all the other Audrey Hepburn wannabees in the crowd.
You can find cross jewelry almost anywhere from indie online boutiques like Shop with Asian Stereotypes to luxury brands like Gucci. There’s no wrong or right way to wear silver crosses, just have fun with the look and don’t mix and match with other jewelry- let the crosses stand out and they will be sure to make a statement with any ensemble.
Images via Shop with Asian Stereotypes, Hardcouture and My Jewelry Trends
Celeb Style: M.I.A.
Wednesday, April 21st, 2010
Since the first time I saw M.I.A burst onto my television screen over four years ago in her “Bucky Done Gun” music video, I can honestly say I have never seen a woman rock tribal/Eastern/hip hop-inspired threads the way she had. The ultra-vibrant colors of each of her outfits looked like a delicious rainbow of silks and satins I could only dream to pull off in my own college town universe. But M.I.A.’s style, like her music, is ever-evolving, constantly sampling different genres and completely original.
Her trademark sunglasses and conductor’s hats always seem to grab my attention but it’s her outfits that really exude her creativity as an artist and as a woman with a strong connection to her heritage. Always opting for loud, tribal prints and trends typically donned by early ninties rappers, M.I.A. could grab the attention of a blind man. Feeling a little bit intimidated by her colorful, even eccentric style? That’s okay, you can still pull off a little bit of M.I.A. style without jeopardizing your reputation as a fashion conscious dresser.
Here are some tips for getting the everyday version of her look: Opt for black, rather than primary colored spandex leggings, they will definitely give your outfit an edge without looking too bold. Patterns are always a must, but chose either a printed top or bottoms, not both. Mix larger pieces of gold jewelry with your accessories and don’t be afraid to add unusual accessories into your ensemble as well. Conductor hats are always a good choice and if M.I.A gives it the go-ahead, it’s safe to say it will be in style for a while.
Images via Celebrity Clothing Line and Rolling Stone
