First Fashion: Our Favorites from What’s New

For me, every day is an accessories day.
	The inspiration for my accessories-themed post are these pretty little boots. The day they crossed my desk it was love at first sight. Coclico - Elara Mid Calf Boot
	Another new love of mine is the brand behind the hottest eco-friendly jewelry to hit shopbop. I covet every piece Alkemie makes, this one included. Alkemie Jewelry - Snake Bangle
	I’m getting a little tired of my basic brown bags. The remedy? This checked creation. Marc by Marc Jacobs - Metal Check Groovee Bag
Get your accessories (or general fashion) fix in What’s New.

Designer I Love: Tom Binns

“There’s a positive side to everything that’s dark,” says jewelry designer Tom Binns. Raised in the politically complex, economically depressed, and relentlessly violent Belfast, Northern Ireland, of the 1960s and ‘70s, Binns “grew up with no money and no toys” and, out of necessity, channeled his creativity into “making things.”

Binns went on to Middlesex Polytechnic Institute where he graduated with a degree in jewelry design. He later collaborated with counterculture luminaries Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren on their critically acclaimed Punk Couture collection, and in 2006 Binns received the CFDA award for Accessory Designer of the Year.

Want more Tom Binns? See his standout fall collection here.

From the Tips of My Toes

I’ve talked about building an outfit from the shoes up before, and when these Sergio Rossi boots crossed my desk, I was instantly inspired by their sleek sophistication. The buckles and elegant heel demand dark, sexy denim, so I’ll start with a slim pair of Genetic jeans. This severe combo needs a softer touch, like this airy blouse from See by Chloe. A shoe lover’s thing-on-the-side has got to be handbags, so I’ll grab (and hold tight to) this covetable clutch from Rag & Bone. Finish it off with layers and layers of necklaces, and this is one look I’ll be sure to repeat on a weekly basis.

First Fashion: Our Favorites from What's New

I had my fashion coming of age on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, so anything black with an avant-garde edge is certain to capture my eye. (And my heart.)
	The ultimate luxe layering piece. I love this over a tank for day or on its own with a few delicate necklaces for night. Bop Basics Cashmere Button Front Halter Vest
	Drapey Italian cashmere in a brilliantly unexpected, hooded, oversized shape. This one’s sure to be in heavy rotation. Bop Basics Cashmere Athletic Hooded Poncho
	Provocative? Of course, but also sophisticated, beautifully crafted, and utterly wearable. The boot that brings slouchy cashmere and stretchy leggings to a chic new level. LD Tuttle Serpent Slouch Over The Knee Boot
Your signature fall styles? Find them right here in What’s New.

A Midsummer Day’s Floppy Hat

With all the gorgeous fall fashions pouring into the shopbop offices, the new wool sweaters, knit tights, and leather boots make me forget it’s still one of the hottest months of the year. But I was reminded this weekend while watching an outdoor Shakespeare play in unbearable, scorching sunlight where even the sweaty actors were distracted from their ‘thines’ and ‘thou arts.’ The majority of the audience whipped out baseball caps to shield their poor, burnable skin from the 85 degree rays, but I was looking for a solution that was a bit more chic. I was wearing a lightweight silk scarf around my waist as a belt, so I took if off and rearranged it over my hair a la Grace Kelly and paired it with oversized sunglasses. Voila, it was suddenly ten degrees cooler and my face, neck, and shoulders were protected from the sun. But I wished I’d had a big floppy hat like this yellow or print number by Virginia Johnson rolled up in my handbag—it would have been perfect!

Image courtesy of American Players Theatre.

First Fashion: Our Favorites from What’s New

Our tuxedo-inspired front page has me thinking about menswear dressing, and I happened to find three perfect pieces in today’s What’s New.
	The ideal button-down, this one’s just long enough to wear with leggings. Steven Alan - The Boyfriend Shirt
	And when picking out leggings, only Splendid will do. How do they make them so soft? Splendid - Modal Leggings
	The perfect shoe for this minimalist ensemble? These statement booties, natch. Report Signature - Clinton Ankle Bootie
Now all I need is a blazer and my dad’s old chunky watch and this ensemble will be set.

Over the past year at shopbop, I’ve been allowed to indulge my shoe fetish, discover a love for orange and yellow, and unabashedly declare my adoration of brands as diverse as Elizabeth and James and L.A.M.B. All of this exposure to sartorial inspiration – not to mention the incredibly clever artistry of shopbop’s own creative team – make it especially difficult to leave! Alas, I’m packing up my Loeffler Randall pumps and heading across the Rockies for grapey-er, more alcoholic pastures – I mean vineyards – but the fashion forward shopbop philosophy will stay with me like those random Simpsons quotes that always find their way into my conversations. So I’ll make sure I’ll toast you with a full glass of Pinot when I get there.

Cheers!

First Fashion: Our Favorites from What’s New

I'm in no mood to wrap up for fall, but that doesn't mean I'm not itching to shop for it. Here, three jackets in contention to win my heart.
	Sporty and definitely all-purpose, I know I’d get a lot of wear out of this versatile piece. Seaton - Field Jacket
	Leather. Vince. Oversized collar. I needn’t say more, but I’ll add that I coveted this one from the moment it showed up in our warehouse. Vince - Asymmetrical Leather Biker Jacket
	This classic little number is reminiscent of the leather beauty above, and there’s something so very appealing about its lightweight feel. Theory - Emilen Jacket
And the winner is? I may just have to get all three. Find your favorites in What’s New.