Moschino Cheap and Chic Tuxedo Silk Shirt, $768, harrods.com
Franco Moschino holds the softest of places in our hearts. The void that his death left in the fashion industry is still palpable and we have made it a point to keep up with the label that still bears his name. We are on the hunt for cool, cheeky tops for spring and came across this subtly subversive take on a classic tuxedo shirt. The piqued collar and the short, pleated sleeves inject just the right amount of femininity.
Marni Printed Leather Wedge Sandal, $655, net-a-porter.com
Much to our delight, the SS12 collections are slowly landing in stores and while we may be living in boots at the moment, we are ready to move on to sandals and sky-high wedges. These Marni wedges stopped us in our tracks. The cool graphic and overall design of the shoe is pure 70′s and something that we can imagine being worn at an old-school Tupperware party(complete with the dusty yellow/green kitchen) with a mini A-line shift dress. Spring cannot come fast enough…
Balenciaga Foulard Scarf, $505, mytheresa.com
Putting together cold weather looks is never easy. Especially if you have the good luck to live in a city where melting snow and urban grime join forces to make winter a black, wet disaster. But one of the things that we do love about dressing for the season are the drop dead gorgeous scarves that we can wrap ourselves in and the more luxe, the better. This Balenciaga scarf is a delicious blend of cashmere and silk and is beautifully sheer. Styling tip: when we get bored with wearing scarves on their own, we tie two together to create a interesting clash of prints and fabrics.
Cada Love Bracelet in 18K White Gold and White Diamonds, $1,267, mytheresa.com
While we love statement jewelry as much as the next girl, there is an undeniable allure to a simple piece of sparkle that hangs just so from a wrist or lays perfectly against a collarbone. It’s sort of like the way that a fragrance should be worn: only those that are allowed to get close enough to you can fully appreciate it’s gorgeousness. A long, sinewy chain and the thinnest of bangles can be impossibly chic. We rounded up a few beautiful, luxe minimal pieces that we simply adore.
Anita Ko Spike 18K White Gold and Diamond Necklace, $1,100, net-a-porter.com
Lana Jewelry St. Tropez Bracelet in 14K Gold, $1,545, lanajewelry.com
Georg Jensen Fusion Rose Gold Ring, $696, selfridges.com
Jennifer Meyer White Gold and Diamond Earring, $500, barneys.com
A few months ago, we featured a post on Tracy Reese’s work with Fashion Fights Cancer and their efforts to ease the strain of cancer patients by having them design their own tote bags under the watchful eye of Reese. Now, you can help FFC and score a chic floral tote from Reese. For only $40, you can own this limited-edition bag that will help FFC create more fashion and design-focused programs for cancer patients and assist with the building of a therapeutic center in New York City. We adore the bold, graphic floral and love the idea of being able to help those dealing with cancer explore their creativity. You can buy the tote here.
Vivienne Westwood Buckle Watch, $308, selfridges.com
For years now, we’ve been telling ourselves that we need to stop using our smartphones as timepieces and get a real watch. We actually kind of miss wearing a watch and vow to actually buy one in the new year. You know we wouldn’t just get any old watch, and we found a cool one by Vivienne Westwood that might made the shortlist of possibilities. Very cool Westwood-Malcolm McClaren punk vibe and we love the large masculine face.
While the idea of fast fashion seems like an exciting idea on the surface, at our core, we prefer clothes that don’t unravel as we are walking down the street and are patient enough to save if we must, for solid, well-constructed pieces made by the designers we respect. We are fans of the original Swedish version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, and were intrigued by the idea of an entire collection inspired by the U.S. version of the movie on offer at H&M. But we were much more interested in a luxe version of this collection, with a dash of 90′s cyber-punk, counterculture films like Hackers and Run, Lola Run thrown in for good measure. Here are a few ideas for an upmarket take on this aesthetic.
Burberry Prorsum Trench, $2,076, mytheresa.com
Ann Demeulemeester Tucked and Gathered Cotton Tank, $201, brownsfashion.com
Rag and Bone Skinny Leather Pant, $1,165, mytheresa.com
Pierre Hardy Leather High-Top Sneaker, $520, net-a-porter.com
Frye Jenna Cap Toe Lace Up Boot, $428, zappos.com
Lanvin Quilted Dear Danae Cabas Bag, $1,900, shopzoeonline.com
Mohair Hat, $19.90, zara.com
Anndra Neen Barrel Choker, $625, kirnazabete.com
Native Edge Black Spike Candle, $375-450, vivre.com
If you’ve been reading The Black Market for any length of time, you know that we are more than a little preoccupied with that specific point where fashion, art, product design and real life intersect. We have the deepest appreciation for the way objects look and we can be just as intrigued by the line of a stemless wine glass as we can be with the way a bias-cut dress falls against the body. You are only getting half of the story if little details such as these are overlooked. With that in mind, here are a few things that we think that aesthetically-inclined friends and loved ones might have on their wish list this year.
Jil Sander Leather IPad Case, $312, oki-ni.com
Rick Owens, by Rick Owens, $135, net-a-porter.com
Lotta Jansdotter Flowers Journal, $12.95, store.hazelchicago.com
Singgih Kaetono Magno Wooden Radio, $225, designpublic.com
Blake Belt, $50, mattandnat.com
Many of us have friends and loved ones who choose to buy only animal and earth- friendly products. If you are scouting gorgeous and innovative gift ideas for environmentally-minded people, we suggest you check out Matt & Nat. Far from the hideously crackly PVC bags that we normally think of when we consider vegan accessories, Matt & Nat produce luxe-looking, animal-friendly bags, belts and tech accessories that even leather lovers will take a second look at. All of the linings in the bags are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. About 21 water bottles are recycled for each bag lining. Matt & Nat have collections for both men and women and we love the sleek, spare design aesthetic and the thoughtful production method is just icing on the cake. See the entire collection at mattandnat.com.
Loren Wallet, $90, mattandnat.com
Iris Top-Handle Bag, $180, mattandnat.com
Clyde Shoulder Bag, $155, mattandnat.com
Bauhaus Overnight Bag, $285, mattandnat.com
Markus Lupfer Handbag Sequined Sweater, $465, net-a-porter.com
If you’ve been reading The Black Market for awhile, you are no doubt aware of our adoration of Markus Lupker’s talent for delivering winter warmth with a side of quirk. This sweater is evidence that he also knows that we girls love our accessories. We love this tongue-in-cheek merino wool sweater and are kind of obsessed with the sequin, tassel and zipper details on the handbag. Few things are better than being able to carry a bag and wear one, too.
