Recently in Belts Category

There's nothing I hate more than seeing something I JUST bought for full price, on sale, but that's the story with this Tory Burch Ellie Striped Webbing Belt. Last week I picked it up at Bergdorf Goodman and as I was looking for a link to write about it, I saw that it was on sale for $88 (down from $175), on Tory Burch's website. BUT - lucky for anyone who thinks it's as cute as I do!

Even though nautical-prep isn't usually my style, I really liked how this belt looked with my high-waisted beige harem pants - kind of like a casual cross between Marc Jacobs-era Louis Vuitton and Roberta Di Camerino.

What do you think about this Tory Burch belt?

Since so many of us are traveling now that it's finally summer, I thought I would highlight another popular European chain of boutiques. You wouldn't know it from the outside, but Uterque is owned by the same folks behind Zara. The boutiques have the same minimalist-sleek decor as Zara stores, but they're a lot darker, sexier, and have significantly less merchandise clutter. In fact they're so dark and minimalist, you might walk by one of the boutiques thinking it's closed! Prices are about double what you'd find at Zara and they have everything from ready-to-wear and handbags to shoes, jewelry, hats, and gloves. You'll find Uterque locations in Spain, Russia, Turkey, Greece, Belgium, among others (see their website for full list) and they're most definitely worth going out of your way to check-out. The quality-for-price is great and they always have a slew of everyday staples I want to wear straight-out-of-the store!

I went to Madrid a few months ago to visit a friend who moved there for work. While the gorgeous city has got every designer brand you could think of (and many of them are conveniently close to the city's major museums!), the best discovery I made while I was there was Bimba & Lola. I keep meaning to start a Facebook group "Bring Bimba & Lola to the US!". The store has an amazing selection of affordable (think about double the price of Zara), ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags, and jewelry. They have a slew of boutiques around Spain and recently expanded to Asia (they have locations in Portugal, France, and a few other countries as well...). If you're traveling to Europe or Asia I urge you to look at their site to see if there's a Bimba & Lola boutique in the city where you'll be! The boutique targets 20 to 40-somethings and they've got a slew of original pieces that will take you from the office to the bar. The over-all aesthetic is feminine, but understated and most of the designs come in both neutral as well as popping colors.

A big white perforated belt from Alaia is like gold in fashion, its value consistently goes up (vintage ones may be found at Decades for current retail price) which makes it a very worthy investment (this is what you chant to yourself if you lose your nerve at checkout).  This season's version is a bit too wide for me but oh how I long to wrap it around my summer dresses!  A crisp black dress would be divine as well-- can't you just see the contrasting fabric peeking under the cutout details?!  I have a new motto, when in doubt... cinch a belt.   
ALAÏA Perforated Leather Waist Belt for $1,385

Email Judy for more info or visit her blog here!

I love my Balmain triple chain belt but it weighs 5 pounds and sometimes I'm just not in a weight lifting mood!  A better option are leather chain belts, you get the edgy punk rock style without the bulk. Many brands make them but my favorites are from 100 year old Canadian brand Fullum and Holt.  The waist cinching tan leather chain link belt ($110, above) will be amazing with a simple dress, beautifully tooled leather links in 80mm tapers to a 25mm strap (I'd wear that in the back so you really get the full effect of the chains!)  Another perfect piece to wear with skinny pants or a dress is the 39mm black leather link chain belt in oil tanned leather ($110, below left).  This piece is made with beautiful heavy stitching detailing, amazing!  If you are a delicate flower, the 22mm leather chain belt ($75, below left) is for you.  Me, I like my chain links big and bad!  Fullum and Holt started in 1897 making military belts and harnesses for Canadian armed forces so you can rest assured these are as sturdy as they come!  At Fullum Boutique.com 

What do you think of leather chain belts?

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.