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

My weakness? Luxe, feminine versions of menswear-inspired styles.
	James Perse brings the humble thermal to a haute new level. The slim fit and touch of cashmere makes this grunge-era classic feel all grown up. James Perse Cashmere V Neck Thermal Tee
	I had a vintage version of something like this a long time ago, but it never fit quite right and had that odd used-clothing-store smell that no amount of dry cleaning can remove. Of course this Rag & Bone one is about a thousand times better. Rag & Bone Double Breasted Tux Vest
	The Easy Rider look I love in a fitted, feminine silhouette. This is one of those where-have-you-been-all-my-life pieces I’ll wear forever. Catherine Malandrino Cropped Leather Jacket
Your fashion weakness? Find it right here in What’s New.

First Fashion: The Best of What’s New

For me, most days are classic days, and today I have three excellent reasons to keep that trend going.
	If I could wear Velvet every day of the week, I would, and lucky for me, this dress is bringing me one step closer to that goal. Dressed up or down, it’s perfection. (Velvet - Becca Dress)
	A timeless trench is a wardrobe must-have, and this little ditty from Rag & Bone is about as classic as they come. I know I’ll wear it for years. (Rag & Bone - Mac Trench)
	The silhouette is pure elegance, yes, but this pair’s true beauty is on the inside. A padded footbed makes wearing them the equivalent of walking on clouds, and the hidden platform gives height without taking me into ankle-twisting territory. (Theory - Bijan Patent Pump)
You know there’s more. Find it in What’s New.

First Fashion: Our Favorites from What’s New

Countless examples of modern chic arrive at shopbop every day, and we’d be doing you a disservice if we didn’t tell you we find a few eye-catching standouts to covet each and every one of those days. That’s why we’re bringing you First Fashion, your morning look at our favorites in What’s New. Have some style with your coffee.

Today finds me in a characteristically ‘80s state of mind:

It’s no secret I have a major thing for shrunken blazers, and just as I bid a teary farewell to the woolly tweed Rag & Bone one I’ve been living in for the last six months, along comes this little linen jacket from Thayer to squire me through summer.

Leggings are a mainstay of my wardrobe, so I’m always on the lookout for new styles to add to my collection. Zipper detail gives this pair from LNA a distinctly downtown vibe--perfect with a slouchy tunic and beat-up Converse. So far I’ve stayed pretty sedate with the black and charcoal, but the brilliant violet has been beckoning to me.

My first album was Like a Virgin, and perhaps this explains my weakness for anything lingerie-inspired. Needless to say, when this strapless Laila Azhar number showed up on the rack I was all over it. Understated and elegant enough to wear to a semi-formal event, the subtle bustier-like detailing at the bodice gives this style just the right amount of naughtiness.

Steampunk Style

Between last week’s NYT article on steampunk trends and Christian Bale’s visit to shopbop’s hometown to film a movie, my weekend DVD rental was a no-brainer. I picked up The Prestige and soaked up every last Victorian, bustle-and-crinoline, Jules Verne-inspired moment of the film. Maybe it’s because the summer onslaught of superhero and futuristic action films has begun, but I crave the sepia-toned formality of the costumes and the smoke-and-mirrors vaudeville flair.

And I must be nearing obsession, because Victorian and steampunk styles are popping out at me from all corners of shopbop.

Gryphon’s ruffled, bustled Petti-Coat adds a brightly contrasting belt with an ornately molded buckle and Eugenia Kim’s twill Slouchy Newsboy Cap invites a jaunty angle and a sly sense of humor. Twenty8Twelve is a little more subtle with the embroidered Lottie Long Sleeve Top, reminding me of elaborate Victorian undergarments. Their Roantree Cover-up Tee tends to the other extreme, featuring a surreal boudoir graphic. Perhaps the most authentic is Thea Grant’s charmingly tarnished jewelry. Using vintage objects, Grant creates sweetly gothic necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

For fall, Rag & Bone features military jackets, Derek Lam offers structured wool overcoats, and Sari Gueron gives crinoline a fashion-forward silhouette.

Obsessions beg indulgence, so if you’ll please excuse me, I’m going to go find my aviator goggles and finish reading Journey to the Center of the Earth.