How To Accessorize Any Outfit

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burberry bag

Creating a perfect outfit might seem like a simple job, but it can actually take a lot of thinking about if you want to look like your favorite fashion icons every day. The ideal outfit is built around layers and accessories which create a flawless look that carries through the entire day. Here is how you can become a master of styling yourself this summer.

Pick a great base

Every outfit starts with one or two items to form a base. It will either be a one-piece such as a dress, or a two-piece (separates) such as a blouse and a skirt. As soon as you pick out your base, you have a canvas upon which to layer and style into a cohesive outfit. If you have a plain or a block of color you can add patterns to your layers but if it is already patterned you will want to keep things simple.

Layer

A layer can be anything from a scarf to a hat, a coat to a cardigan or even a statement necklace. It will be where you add that splash of color or pattern that will make the outfit pop. A layer is an immediate way to anchor your look and make it feel more like an intentional outfit from the outset.

Jewelry

If you have a few staple jewelry items that you wear with absolutely anything, now is the time to pop them on over the top. This will give you the chance to see if you can add anything else to the look or if you need to take anything out.

Balancing Trends

When a new trend comes out on the scene, it can be too easy to get wrapped up in the magic and end up overdoing your look. If you want to avoid this issue you need to remember that you can only add one or two trend items to your look at once. If you go over the top you will end up with a messy and cluttered looking outfit which just won’t fit any particular style. Keep it simple and steer clear if you can.

Fancy Footwork

Shoes can make or break your look, and it is important to always make sure that you pick shoes which are comfortable for you to walk in all day. If you pick a style like a small dress or romper, a pair of flats or white converse can look really cute and quirky. If you have a maxi dress on, a pair of embellished sandals or wedges will be better. Always stick to a style of shoe which fits the look, and don’t go too crazy with color unless you have a monochrome outfit and want to jazz it up with a bold colored shoe such as bright red or jewel tones.

Your Bag

Last but not least will come the decision of which bag to carry your things in for the day. A bag can be a great accessory for any outfit and choosing the right one depends on your style and your activity for the day. If you will be walking and shopping then Shoulder bags are the most practical, however, if you are wearing the bag for fashion, a handbag with a short strap is fine. A bold color or print can be a brilliant way to finish your look and make you look like a fashion expert once and for all!

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FRYE ATLANTA coming to Ponce City Market

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The Frye Atlanta store, opening in August 2015, will call Ponce City Market home, a re- imagined mixed use development from Jamestown, housed in the historic Sears Roebuck distribution center, originally built in 1926. The store, a 4000 square ft space on the center’s main level, is located within the retail arcade. The storefront replicates the warehouse windows seen above the main level, and the columns, original to the structure, will be wrapped in leather references the history of the Frye brand.

The Frye Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Global Brands Group, announced that it would continue its retail expansion this Fall by opening two stores in existing markets in New York and the Washington DC area and expanding into new markets with stores in Atlanta and Dallas. Based on Frye’s heritage steeped in American craftsmanship, the stores highlight the brand’s legacy through a celebration of authentic products and iconic leather goods. The new stores will showcase the breadth of the brand’s finely manufactured footwear and accessories for men, women and children and will maintain the tradition of quality and craftsmanship that has been the hallmark of The Frye Company for 152 years.

The stores draw inspiration from vintage artisan workshops, incorporating details in the furniture, lighting and displays. Raw materials used throughout the store, are left to weather with age and use. The beauty of these materials resemble that of the leather goods produced by the brand, with the assertion that each becomes better with age. Tables designed to reference workbenches coexist with custom seating in grey upholstery accented by bronze legs and vintage carpets. This concept embraces light and a residential palate of greys, blues and bronze tones.

The stores’ most dramatic feature, is an enormous installation known to the brand as the “chandelier”, consisting of 7000 leather straps holding Frye’s signature harness rings. Surrounding the “chandelier” are shelving units inspired by a craftsman’s toolbox from the turn of the century. The toolbox units have been redesigned to work as shelving within the stores “workshop” and show the brand’s products in their best possible light. Each environment will also contain “The Archive”, a curated grid wall modishly housing the brand’s wide variety of handbags, which coordinate back to the footwear.

The curated environments, designed by Frye’s in-house team, in partnership with Carlton Architecture of New York, capture the spirit and essence of the brand’s 152 year history, while incorporating unique characteristics of each locale. The stores have distinct character, conveying a sense of warmth and familiarity with their high touch engagement proficiencies. The overall experience is a sensory journey; the ultimate combination of the rich leathers, craftsmanship and history.

Much more to come about Frye Atlanta next week, so stay tuned!

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Meet "JACK" by jill-e designs

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Like many of us, I keep my laptop in one of those black nylon-ish cases that are all about function with little to no real style - until now! I've traveled to Charleston and Miami recently with my new Columbian leather case by jill-e designs. This handsome case is soft and luxurious to the touch and it looks great carried on your shoulder or by its handles. The case itself only weighs about a pound, but its construction is sturdy and its appeal strong. The inside is padded so your laptop and tablet travel safely. I'm always a fan of form and function working in harmony!

jill-e designs has a large selection of stylish leather goods for men and women so make sure and give them a visit!

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Tod’s Grand Opening in Buckhead Atlanta | Event Recap

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Photos by Brian Reeves/BenRosePhotography.com

Last Thursday, the who’s who of Atlanta flocked to Tod’s for the grand opening celebration of its newest boutique that just opened in Buckhead Atlanta. The private soiree benefiting Meals on Wheels Atlanta and a Meal to Remember 2015 was hosted by Michelle Crosland, Joanne Chesler Gross and Coy Wire. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails, prosecco, and savory and sweet bites from Dennis Dean Catering as they took live demonstrations by an artisan flown in from Italy handcrafting the iconic Tod's Gommino throughout the event. Additionally, guests were treated to fresh floral bouquets and authentic Italian gelato as they mix and mingled and explored the Tod’s women and menswear collections that includes bags, shoes, small leather goods and accessories. 10% of the evening’s sales will be donated to Meals on Wheels and a Meal to Remember 2015. 

The Buckhead Atlanta location is Tod’s 9th nationwide boutique. The store reflects the utmost in quintessential Italian elegance. The décor, which is sophisticated, creates an environment of contemporary character which still maintains the solid elements of classic traditional Italian design. This serves as a great reminder of the constant evolution of the company which is continually linked to research and technological progress without ever losing sight of their values, tradition and craftsmanship. 

The space is enriched with sumptuous leather sofas, consoles and selected furniture accented with steel details. Additional pieces crafted from steel and marble create a play of light and reflection to highlight the Tod’s Men’s and Women’s Collections. The warm and refined décor perfectly reflects the tones of Italian tradition. President and CEO, Diego Della Valle says: “The idea was to make our clients feel at home. A house built in a classic Italian style with thousands of fine details is always rare to find.”

A special limited edition Swarovski crystal Cape bag was made to commemorate the occasion.  The Cape bag is latest bag to be designed by Creative Director, Alessandra Facchinetti for the Spring 2015 collection. The bag worn by celebrities like Leigh Lezark is available in Atlanta in multi colored calfskin leather and topped with Swarovski crystal embroidery.

Tod’s Boutique in Buckhead Atlanta is located at 3035 Peachtree Road NE, space A170, Atlanta, Georgia 30305. Visit www.tods.com for more information. 

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Robert Matthew Handbags and the Celebrities who Love Them!

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Take a stroll down Rodeo Drive or cruise along Sunset Blvd and chances are you’ll see a starlet or two flaunting a Robert Matthew handbag. Celebrities like Alicia Silverstone and Julia Stiles recognize their impeccable quality and appreciate the attention to detail that goes in to each handbag. Optimum functionality, luxurious materials and cutting edge designs are the cornerstones of every Robert Matthew handbag setting it apart as the “It” bag for women who want to stay ahead of the trends. Now, with their newly modernized website that is simple to navigate, Robert Matthew handbags can be yours at the touch of your fingertips!

The inception of Robert Matthew began when two lifelong friends, Robert and Matthew, recognized the passion between a woman and her handbag. Hailing from the state of California, they loved to see the evolving fashion of women, from the casual styles of San Francisco to the fashion forward influences of Los Angeles. This compelled them to create their own line of fashionable and functional handbags, for every woman and every occasion. Now, they have become the designers to watch as the demand continues to build for their handbags. Featured below are two popular items in their latest collection:
 

Robert Matthew Sofia 24K Gold Leather Shoulder Clutch - perfect for spring, this just-the-right-size clutch has room for all of your necessities but is not so large that it overpowers your breezy spring and summer outfits. Features one front pocket and one main compartment, adjustable shoulder strap, real saffiano leather, 24K gold plated hardware and a fun pinstriped lining. Available for  $168.00 at  www.robertmatthew.com.   

Robert Matthew Khloe Tote - the fan favorite Khloe Tote uses animal friendly vegan leather and light gold plated hardware. This extremely functional and versatile bag can be carried as a tote with its dual top handles, or utilize the removable and adjustable shoulder straps for ease and convenience. This structured bag has a sleek design with two roomy outward side pockets.  Peek inside to find a luxurious pinstriped lining. Available for $189.00 at  www.robertmatthew.com.

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The CHIC Side of Technology: VANDERWAALS – APP-ENABLED, COLOR CHANGING HANDBAGS

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vanderwaals handbags

VanDerWaals, the premier handbag company that combines fashion, function and technology all in one bag, announces the launch of e-commerce through www.Van-Der-Waals.com. Made from the finest premium leather and materials, each VanDerWaals handbag is carefully constructed to give women the opportunity to express themselves as never before. Inspired by the human desire for self-expression, the creators of VanDerWaals have built an accessory with capabilities previously unseen in a handbag. Using patented technologies, they developed an app-enabled handbag that can change color with just the swipe of a finger. Like a chameleon changes its colors, a VanDerWaals handbag can change its color to match a look, a mood or the environment.

Each VanDerWaals handbag is programmable through a free app that allows a fashionista to match her dress one minute and her shoes the next by selecting her favorite shade or taking a picture to match the exact color of her outfit. The bag can also be programed to flash a custom lightshow synchronized to a favorite song or make a recommendation for a lucky color based on the user’s birthdate. The bags are also programmable to flash a selected color when the user receives a phone call. No more digging through your bag to hear if your phone is ringing.

In addition to light up and color changing capabilities, VanDerWaals handbags are also able to charge a smart phone, tablet or other portable device. Through an invisible long-lasting internal battery, users can plug the included charging cable or micro USB into their device. The internal battery power can be replenished using the provided wall charger. The internal battery will charge an iPhone 6 up to three times.

The premiere collection of VanDerWaals handbags features two styles with varying patterns: the larger Caroline tote and smaller Elena cross-body satchel. VanDerWaals handbags retail between $499 and $699 and are now available for pre-order though www.van-der-waals.com with free shipping anticipated for late summer 2015, at which time the compatible VanDerWaals app will be available for download.

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Jennifer Lawrence in new Be Dior Ad Campaign

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This is what a rich girl looks like. Chic, modern and while she knows fashion and invests in it, her style is always effortless. Kudos to the stylist.

Photographer Paolo Roversi shot the Dior campaign featuring the Oscar winning Jennifer Lawrence in a variety of flawless day looks and carrying the fabulous leather Be Dior bag. The styling, hair, makeup and minimal set work perfectly together. Everything feels so fresh. I love it. 

Great timing in rolling out the ad campaign as well since Jennifer Lawrence was missed at the Academy Awards.

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