Cassandra Carmen  

by Sara Bentley

 
 
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Quality, quality, quality…



Many people talk badly about shopping and even I have to agree that – at times – it can be a rather pointless vocation; however, it can also be an art form when the shopper supports real talent and workmanship with the items that he or she chooses to purchase. Take this camisole, or actually any item, made by Carine Gilson. Exquisite is a bland term to use in describing what I think is simply one of the most amazing items. Made entirely by hand of Chantilly lace and the silkiest of Lyon silk satin; corny as it may sound I feel as if tiny little fairies painstakingly stitched every inch of it. That is how much detail there is on this camisole, making it simply much too gorgeous to hide under other garments.  

On another scale is this handbag by Chloe; it’s simple and classic with such a high quality of workmanship making it a staple for not only years, but decades to come.

Isn’t longevity and relevance what real fashion is all about?




Hippie-go-lucky…



Gotta admit… with these sandals from Opening Ceremony it was love at first sight. Don’t know exactly why it is; probably something to do with the fabulously slouchy cuff and velvety suede that add the perfect mix of both “put together-ness” and “casual cool” I so adore infusing my wardrobe with. And paired with this gorgeous, fringed, oversize clutch/shoulder bag by Charlie My Love (as previously mentioned I love a good two-fer) these are accessories that instill any outfit with the cool of a latter day Penny Lane. I love!





Spread the word...

It’s official… Spring is here and it's simply made me fall in love with this gorgeous sunhat from Eugenia Kim; it reminds me of hats I used to wear as a little girl and just placing it on my head makes me feel like that same little kid again – worn with French Sole’s red ballet shoes to match the red ribbon of course! And what could be sunnier and well, spring-ier, than this tote from Miu Miu? I ask you, have you ever seen a handbag in a happier color? I’ve thrown on a little silk sundress and I’m ready for the walk by the sea. Wish you could join me!





More preppy-ness...

Since last week I featured Proenza Schouler’s P.S.1 I feel like this week I had to mention Mulberry’s “Alexa.” Though at first glance these two handbags seem almost identical – single top handle, front straps, long, over-the-shoulder strap – in fact they each give two wholly different feelings; while the P.S. 1 is so “downtown New York,” the “Alexa” feels so “hipster London.” Sort of like a reflection of each other from different sides of the pond. Isn’t it funny how different designers “come up” with similar (or even nearly identical) designs at the same time? I guess great minds really do think alike!





Totally cool...

Proenza Schouler’s PS1. This bag has it all; vintage inspired feel (it looks as if it were tooled by an leatherworks artisan,)versatile handle/shoulder strap (as previously mentioned I love a handle choice,) and really cool vibe (the Traina sisters carry it, need I say more?) Plus, the bright color makes me feel as if warm spring days are on the horizon. However, I do think this bag looks amazing paired with these knee high boots from Belle by Sigerson Morrison. I love the angling at the knee, don’t you?

P.s. (no pun intended) I’m planning on pairing both the boots and the bag with a cute, flowery tunic dress when the freezing temps subside!





Inspired by...

The Academy Awards are tonight and so I began reminiscing about my favorite gowns worn to the ceremony through the years. This is what inspired me to remember a stunningly beautiful, emerald green, silk satin gown designed by Alberta Ferretti and worn by Ms. Scarlett Johansson – one of the most talented actresses – to the awards in 2004. That in turn inspired me to commission this custom made, grass green, silk satin gown to wear to the awards tonight – you couldn’t possible have imagined that I’d be watching the Oscars in my pajamas, did you?



Accessorizing...

The moment I laid eyes on this Pucci scarf I immediately imagined sunning on the deck of a yacht, sailing the sea from Capri to Santorini. Of course you need Gucci shades such as these vintage ones from Retrosun to pull off the look successfully; and I couldn’t help but add Robert Lee Morris’s stunning Lacey earrings to complete my accessory ensemble. I know it’s just March but… aren’t you in the mood for summer sailing?





In The City...

I’ve always been a huge fan of Foley + Corinna everything, but if I had to pick one favorite the City Tote would definitely be it. Maybe it’s the sheer genius and versatility of the design that let’s you use it as both a large tote and as a demure shoulder bag or maybe it’s just that it looks cool with just about any outfit, but I’d definitely give it five stars! I mean, come on, don’t you love it when you get your money’s worth?





Happy Valentine's Day!

Sure, I love all things designer as much as the next girl but remember; it's not how much it costs, but how it's given...

Hope you have a great day! :)





Beauty Queen Workhorse… 



I have to admit that one of the hardest working handbags in my closet is Mulberry’s Bayswater. Not only is it hardy and fits everything -- plus the kitchen sink -- but it actually gets better looking every time I overstuff it and beat it around with me all day! And as an extra plus, it makes even a simple outfit look pulled together.

(And, no, I’m not getting a percent of Mulberry’s sales whenever a Bayswater is sold; I simply can’t keep my mouth shut when I’m loving something this much!)





Gotta Be Kidding...

I always find it to be a nasty little irony that the first Spring shipments make their appearance in stores just as winter’s chill settles into its comfort zone; it reminds me of my immediately unattainable dream regarding a sunny beach, the shade of a swaying palm, and a new bikini. At least the winter chill is a valid excuse to wear my cozy Moncler puffer jacket and Stella McCartney for Adidas snow boots absolutely everywhere. (p.s. must admit that trying on bikinis wilst wearing snow boots does look slightly off kilter but... I just can't ever resist!)





Schoolgirl Chic…

The YSL Besace provides an utterly understated update of the classic messenger bag that has been used for eons – okay, maybe not for eons but for a really, really, long time – by everyone from students to postmen. It’s just as slouchy as I like my handbags to be and not so instantly recognizable to those not in the know. And don’t you just adore these leaf earrings by Jennifer Meyer? They provide an exquisite dose of springtime to a gray, wintry day.



Beat the Chill...

I love escaping to an exotic locale for a dose of sun, warm sea breezes and… an excuse to wear the tempting resort fashions whose bright colors mockingly hit the store shelves just as really cold temps start to blow! A perennial favorite is one of Diane Von Furstenberg’s amazingly flattering wrap dresses – perfect for camouflaging holiday overindulging – accessorized with Bottega Veneta’s bright resin necklace and a candy colored pair of Miu Miu’s.

Now, this is the perfect way to ring in the New Year!





Versatile lady…



This new Fendi handbag is like a twofer. At once slouchy and casual but concealing a ladylike frame bag that pokes out the top making it ideal to pair with an elegant “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” inspired LDB and ballet flats or – as demonstrated here – with Miu Miu’s tough-chic Biker Boots and a casual mini. I just love it!





Comfort First...

The best way to look fashionable and polished when out and about is to be comfortable! I don’t know how many pre-holiday sales I’ve ended up missing out on simply because I didn’t heed that one simple rule. One of the best ways I know to manage the above is to wear Loeffler Randall’s Matilde boot – the wedge heel is enough to make you feel refined and yet is a cinch to walk for store miles in. And of course Givenchy’s Nightingale handbag is a must-have simply because it is!





If The Shoe Fits…



This fall is all about a tough shoe and these suede and leather ankle boots from Tabitha Simmons are all that and more! They boast just about every single embellishment available – laces, buckles, tassels, zippers – but manage to pull it all off in a way that totally and irrevocably equals perfection! Love!





Fierce + Fierce

My latest obsessions are Tom Ford’s “Whitney” Sunglasses – have been for the past few years actually – and Stephen Webster’s “Fringe” Earrings. I mean, seriously. What more can a gal ask for from her accessories?



Easy Rider...

What’s more convenient than being able to choose the length of your handbag’s handles? That’s one of the things I love about my Chloe "Paraty"! The long strap is perfect for when I opt to ride my bike instead of using the town car. And by the way, I challenge anyone who argues that Bottega Veneta’s "Mary Jane Pump" isn’t the perfect bike-riding shoe. Nike’s are cool, but can a pair ever look this uptown?



Doggie Bag

I rely on Fiorentini + Baker's "Bi" boots to give me that downtown edge (and protect my pedicure from fall showers.) C.C., my yorkie, prefers an alternate mode of panoply -- my Birkin -- come rain or shine!  



Perfect for a day spent on St. Honore or New Bond St.!



I've been obsessing over my thigh-high Christian Louboutin boots! They are a perfect match with the Balenciaga leather jacket and Jimmy Choo's Odetta handbag, don't you think?





Because of the workmanship.

The Fendi Spy has become somewhat of a celebrity these past few years but to me this handbag is all about the handles!



Because nothing beats a classic...

My first word rightly was Chanel! The 2.55 is as spot-on today as it was when created by Mme. Chanel half a century ago. And Ileana Makri's pave diamond 'Again' earrings are the perfect complement!






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