Recently in Belts Category

I can't get over my belt obsession. I've learned that nothing is more slimming on a petite girl than a cinched in waist (but make sure it's not too wide or it will actually dwarf you!).  In fact, my belt collection has grown so much in the last couple of years that I am building a special cabinet to store them all (right now they dangle from several annoying belt hangers).  Bottega Veneta's double buckle belt with dark gray metal grommet detail is next up on my list-- it's edgy without being trendy (like certain studded belts) and it has enough width to cinch the waist without overpowering.  Not only is it the perfect accessory to dress up a simple LBD, it can also dress down a fussy dress and come summer, I'll be wrapping it around a crisp white frock.  Versatile?  It better be at $690!  Bottega Veneta Double-Buckle Leather Belt at Net-a-porter.com

I came across some Nogoy belts at a local accessories shop this weekend and was in awe with the beautiful crafts of Nogoy. This is a UK brand that specializes in using exotic leather and intricate handcrafted metals to create ultra-chic waistwear. These are definitely statement belts that could glamourize any simple outfits and are quite on trend with the heavy metal styles going on this season. I am particularly attracted to the Black Lily belt and the Navy Mosaic gem belt-- the strong silouette combined with stingray leather and mother of pearl details make them hard to ignore. Some people say that a woman's waist is the sexiest part of her body, and these belts could definitely accentuate those sexy curves like no one's business. Black Lily belt and Navy Mosaic belt available at Liberty

How awesome is this bandage belt? Not only does it instantly add edge to a dreary drab outfit but hello!! It trims your waistline by at least 2 inches. This is the perfect solution to separates, do you tuck it in and deal with the shirt untucking and poofing out? You can try a thick belt and fuss with the fit but nothing will fit like this super wide corset like belt. I have a gown from Eduardo Lucero that has a custom lace corset and it fits like a dream! But it is lace and beaded so it's not like I can put that on everyday. I plan on wearing this over my Herve Leger bandage skirt, it almost doesn't matter what I have on top to have a sexy, hot and skinny look! At Net-a-Porter for $350.

I reviewed J.O.B. handbags a while back on Bag Snob but now he is making belts. And not just any ole belt either, major kick ass belts that are absolutely without question, TO DIE FOR!! Python belt with differing multiple chains. Hot or what? The chain belts are back but these are completely unique. I love the layered necklace look with different chains, well this is the same thing but on a belt. Totally brilliant. And to kick it up a notch, add python. Go to H&M or The Gap and pick up whatever top or dress to go with this, it is a stand out piece that you don't want to compete with anyways. These are in limited supply though. It is sold at HELEN YI in Chicago for $250 but I have the contact info of the designer, email Jose Bravo directly and you can even pick the color of the python! Tell him Couture Snob sent you.

I've been downloading my old favorites from the '80s via iTunes-- Adam Ant, The Go Go's, The Clash and many other New Wave/Punk Rock artists. I played a couple of Adam Ant tunes the other night when my 4 year old son and his friend were in the car and they asked "is this rock and roll?" I smiled and answered, "no, this is punk music. I loved punk when I was a kid". They giggled and shouted, "punk, punk, punk is funny!". The next morning at brunch with several family friends my son announced loudly, "My mommy was a punk when she was a kid". Very nice! Let's just hope he doesn't announce it to his teachers at pre-school. So for everyone's edification, I was never a punk (rocker or hoodlum) but like every other teenager in the 80's, just loved pretending I was cool to the punk rock scene although the closest I ever got to it was watching videos on MTV and window shopping at the many punk boutiques on Melrose. Though I won't risk looking like a freak on Folsom Street Fair in SF, I still do enjoy a few touches of rebellion. The key is keeping it to one piece of punk inspired accessory or clothes, not a head to toe look. But still, it's not a look for everyone. What do you think? To Punk, or not to Punk?  Check out these punk worthy styles below!

Alice + Olivia Chain Tank
Giles & Brother Hanging Chain Earrings
DANNIJO Eniko Multi Chain Necklace
Jean-Michel Cazabat Andora Studded Two Band Sandals
McQ - Alexander McQueen Chain Belt
Current/Elliott The Skinny Jeans with Studs
Cynthia Rowley Studded T-Shirt
Alexander Wang Stud Print Tank
Made Her Think Double Row of Studs Cuff
Pour La Victoire Ange Studded Crisscross High Heel Sandals
DAVIS by Ruthie Davis Bullseye Peep Toe Booties

I have had every Michael Jackson tune in my head the last few weeks (my ringtone? Rock with me) and am kind of turning wacko-- every item I see automatically conjures up a MJ lyric. This kick ass Balmain triple chain belt? Because I'm Bad, I'm Bad- Come On--You Know I'm Bad, I'm Bad-You Know It!   Need I say more? It's almost sold out, I have one en route (would I risk my readers buying it out before I secured one? Muhahahhaha). Balmain Triple Chain belt $795 at Net-a-porter.com

I am SO OVER the entire fashion industry fawning over Christophe Decarnin of Balmain. Okay, so the gorgeous draped dresses with rock and roll hardware was very cool but it cost as much as a Mercedes! Let's get real here. I am reading the Golden Age of Couture right now and the beautiful couture gowns by Balmain in the 50's are tear inducing. The craft of couture has seriously declined in modern years yet the costs continue to escalate-- I don't get it!

My friend Chloe picked up a Balmain jacket from the FW 09 collection at a cool $22,000 and multiple t-shirts at $8,000 (yes, t-shirts, not even real blouses!?!?). She tried to convince me that the craftsmanship of Balmain bedazzle is much superior to that of my 8 year old goddaughter's but I beg to differ. You have no idea what an 8 year old with a bedazzle gun can achieve! But I'll have to take her word for it because I do not plan on finding out for myself. US Weekly Fashion Director Sasha Charnin Morrison agrees with me and eschewed the Balmain studded sandals for a pair at H & M for $179.

As for this belt (at a whooping $1,530)-- you can have the Hermes Collier de chien belt for less-- a way better look and investment. For me, it's also much wiser to invest in vintage Haute Couture-- I get mine from Cameron Silver of Decades. He knows my measurements and ships me items on approval overnight.   And seriously, nothing matches vintage Haute Couture from the golden age!

What do you think of Balmain by Christophe Decarnin? High Fashion or Craft project? Balmain at Net-a-porter.com

I discovered Zadig et Voltaire last summer in Paris and scooped up two studded belts and a few easy dresses at Franck et Fils (a small luxury department store in the 16th where I stayed).  In London I actually found a freestanding Zadig store in Notting Hill and went nuts over the casually chic tops and cashmere sweaters.  Everything in the line is reasonably priced and looked very on trend without being trendy.  I love the cool little dresses and tops from Zadig, cinch them all with a mini cloclo belt and it's perfect for summer! 
Actually, the cloclo belt will look good on anything and costs a mere 90 euro/$125 USD!

This has got to be the sweetest outfit I've seen all year. Kate Mara (no idea who she is, someone please enlighten me) rocks Dior's frilly dress with a fabulous white laser cut Oscar de la Renta belt (I ordered mine at the trunk show, can't wait to get it!!  Email Mindy at Oscar to order one).

The clutch is also Dior and I love that she (or her stylist) chose black-- it makes the outfit dressier and less sugary.  My only complaint is her hair.  She couldn't have done something better with the hair?  It looks like sloppy wet hair pulled back in a scraggly ponytail.  I'm not advocating a head of curls or a blow out; how about a brush and maybe a dab of hair product?

What do you think? 

Invest in a few key accessories this season and you'll update your wardrobe instantly. The cage from YSL stirred up the runways and now it's making its way to the realways. But don't go head to toe and overdose in the grid, choose one (the YSL- soft patent grid belt OR the YSL - Metallic strappy cage sandals , not both) and mix it up.

This pair of GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI platform sandals are perfect with the grid belt € 345.00, it has a similar vibe without being too matchy match. But if you have no love for belts go for the uber modern cage sandals below, € 890.00.  Throw on YSL - Crystal predator cuff instantly dress up a pair of distressed jeans or glam up a simple dress, € 1250.00.

From the LBD to jeans, a boho chic dress or skirt-- learning the fashion grid is key to the season.  All at Luisa via roma.