My IT Bag

I remember years ago, how I lusted, lusted after the original Balenciaga "Le Dix" motorcycle bag. I thought Kate Moss was the absolute coolest toting around that black leather prize.  I had to have it -- even though I couldn't afford it.  I carried that bag everywhere. And I love it to this day, as well as the bright pink one I subsequently bought.  


My mouth still waters at every incarnation -- the colors, textures, hardware.  My friend has a gunmetal-y metallic in a larger size that I know would make my life complete. The bright green, electric yellow, baby blue... Oh, have you seen the versions in croc? Beyond! I had to hold myself back from splurging on the canvas version I saw earlier this year. And then the raffia one.  Not sure what it is about the Balenciaga bag, but safe to say, it is my all-time favorite.

I saw an oversized one today on a superchic but casually-dressed woman -- a matte light gray with bright silver hardware. I think this might have to be my new fall bag. I've been wanting the Emile tote from Alexander Wang, and I really like the latest from Proenza Schouler. And of course, those understated Celine bags are amazing. But for me, I think, the Balenciaga motorcycle bag is still IT. 

Gray V. Nude

Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin

Now for the question of shoes. 

Shades of gray...

Manolo Blahnik

Balenciaga

Yves Saint Laurent

...Or neutral nudes?

Christian Louboutin

Manolo Blahnik

Christian Louboutin

I was instantly attracted to a pair of patent gray pumps the other day at Bergdorf and could see how they would fit into my wardrobe so well -- adding texture and richness to my many monotone gray looks. I have a pair of smoky-shaded flats I wear a lot.  


Patent-nude pumps, however, are so so versatile in a wardrobe. And look especially chic at night. I have a pair of peep-toe patent nude Louboutins that I can't get enough of.... so much so that I simply must invest in another pair (or two).  


Hmm... When in doubt, buy both.

Dreaming of Studs

In the mist of yet another snowstorm here in New England, snow piling on top of snow (with more blizzards in the forecast), I strangely can't stop thinking about studs. Studded sandals, that is.

A pair of Prada strappy flats studded with pointy spikes caught my eye the other day at Saks and I immediately imagined my jet-set-with-an-edge summer look. Maybe with my sailor top and white jeans, with khaki shorts and a basic tank, with a little black short shift -- adding a slightly hardcore twist to the classics. I'm obsessed.

Prada sandals at Saks

Now all I see are studs. I also love the Valentino gladiator style and think the brown or nude leather version might be more versatile for summer than the patent black.

Valentino sandals from saks.com and bergdorfgoodman.com

Oooh. But the Balenciagas are slightly more downtown -- I like that and love the creamy color. And the powder blue option is adorable if I had the budget for more than one pair.

Balenciaga sandals from Balenciaga.com

I definitely cannot picture myself in the dominatrix-y platform Louboutin that the celebs seem to be into (think Kardashian). Although, when styled with simple looks, the result is pretty cool. But the flat version is more my speed.

Louboutins on display at Saks

Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, and Heidi Klum in studded Louboutins

Louboutins from Net-a-Porter.com

And I am kicking myself that I never bought the Alexander Wang bag with the studs subtly peaking out from the bottom when it came out a few seasons ago.

Mary-Kate Olsen with an Alexander Wang bag, also right.

Burberry showed trenchcoats bedazzled with studs in the spring 2011 collection. Doesn't quite jive with my mom-on-the-go look but the concept is cool nonetheless.

Burberry Prorsum Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear from style.com

Emma Watson in studded Burberry from popsugar.com

While I wouldn't wear more than a single studded piece at a time, I am not sure I can buy just one. A girl can never have too many studs in her life, after all.

Flats with Flash

Since we all can't walk the red carpet in glamour gowns, whimsical footwear is an easy way to work a color trend (see the Golden Globe parade of brights) into your look - - especially if you find yourself to be a monotone dresser like me.

These chic flats would surely add some spring to your step. (Balenciaga, Lanvin, Proenza Schouler, Manolo Blahnik, Derek Lam, Christian Louboutin all from Barneys.com). The green Balenc flats and the patent Louboutins are on my wishlist.

Sale Alert:

These Delman flats are currently up on Gilt Groupe for $99.