Recently in Jackets Category

I am speechless over this crocodile tail leather jacket from Balmain.  My heart loves it and wishes I can own it in all its ratty tatty glory but my head is saying "with children starving and people dying do you really need a jacket that cost more than most cars?"  Obviously I will not be getting this, even at 80% off it'd be $13,000!  But I can still admire the insane genius of Christophe Decarnin-- piecing together crocodile skin in so many layers to achieve the texture and structure of one of the most complicated coats I've ever seen.  Sigh... maybe he will do a leather version for, like, $10,000. 
 BALMAIN - CROCODILE TAIL COAT LEATHER JACKET $69,006

What do you think? 

I came across COS while I was walking around Munich's town center. I had never heard of the boutique before and was surprised at the mild prices (most everything is under 129 euros), given the quality of the materials used. The bi-level store was choke-full of monochromatic pieces that appeared simple, but had small details (exposed zippers, ruching, cowl neck...) for both men and women making for great staples; kind of like a frugal Ports 1961, no? When I paid for my buys I asked the sales woman about the line and she told me that it actually is owned by H&M! So far boutiques are only in select European countries (Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom), but hopefully they will roll out in the U.S. soon!

Marc Jacobs Embellished Tweed Military Jacket
If Balenciaga and Chanel had a love child, the results would be this fabulous jacket. I don't know about you, but I'm a big fan of the classic tweed jacket--particularly when it's tszujed up (thanks, Carson Kressley) like this. What would otherwise be a subtle black-and-white classic interspersed with colored woven fibers is glammed with multicolored neon gems and monochrome tweed infused thanks to a rubberized weave. I'll never forget how chic Elizabeth Hurley looked when she was snapped by paparazzi years ago leaving her London home clad in jeans, a white T-shirt and a sorbet-hued Chanel tweed jacket. Ladies, channel La Liz in 2010.
$1595.00

Never in a million years would I have believed that I would want anything from Vans! Their sporty, skateboarder, laid-back look is not at all my style, but I happen to be reading something online when an ad popped-up for one of their sweaters. I'm totally loving the two items pictured above. On the right is the Crossed Out Hoodie which is 93% cotton and only $48. I ordered one and have been wearing it over my t-shirts when I go to the gym. It's cozy and relatively cute as far as sporty, warm sweaters go. On the left is the Quilted Check Hoodie which looks totally like something from Marc by Marc Jacobs, but is selling for only $62 (80% cotton). Both looks are being sold in a variety of colors, but I'm most fond of the Heather Gray.

What do you think about these winter finds from Vans? Snob or Slob?

I saw a woman wearing a jacket that looked exactly like the Balmain jacket above at dinner not too long ago. To amuse ourselves, my girlfriend and I decided to try and guess if it was really Balmain, or if it was 'inspired' by Balmain.  We were close enough to see that it didn't hang that well on the woman and looked just a tad 'off'. But since neither of us had seen or tried this jacket on in person, it was hard to decide. In the end, we agreed it was indeed Balmain and toasted to this lucky woman's good fortune on owning it. Seriously, even on sale it's ridiculously priced.  And yes, a lot of work went into it and if you really loved something it matters not what it costs but I could never justify a twelve thousand dollar trendy biker leather jacket not to mention I'm certain my husband would divorce me if I did on grounds of insanity.  What about you?  Balmain Peak-shouldered leather jacket $9376.50

This is one gorgeous rabbit fur gilet (gilet is French for sleeveless jacket by the way)-- even a bunny lover like me can't resist.  Many rabbit fur items can resemble roadkill, but this is obviously a well cared for rabbit-- perhaps one that lived a long life on a rabbit farm before ending up as rabbit stew.  And the seams are meticulously sewn together, which makes it looks almost like sheared mink.  The taupe color is amazing with the brown leather belt but what I really love is the exaggerated collar.  Very chic!  Karl Donoghue Rabbit Fur Gilet $1,105.00

Every once in a while, a piece of clothing will render me senseless.  Such was the case when I spotted this Rodarte leather and python jacket at Barneys this weekend!  I almost stopped breathing when I saw it!  Jackson (Concierge at Barneys) called it a strait jacket, but it was one that I willingly strapped myself into.  The fit was amazing, high up on the arms and snug through the shoulders-- with so much going on, you need this to be razor sharp or you'll look sloppy.  The details really make this piece; the unexpected knit collar softens up the distressed/marbelized leather, and the strips of python on the arms and multiple straps add texture to the jacket.  It's had to understand Rodarte's magic until you actually wear one of their pieces.  Now I get it.  I'm a believer!  I will save and starve (as Kate Moss says, "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" so who needs food, right!?) until I get this!  The sizing is really crazy, though.  This is a size 8 I'm wearing (US size 8!), my SA suggested a size 6 which is more like a 0.  This isn't something you want to buy online, go try it on.  Or call Korey at Barneys New York 469-221-4809  and email him for more details.

I have had a gray obsession for years. It's a softer alternative to black and is always so chic and pretty.  I especially love wearing tonal gray shades together; it gives your outfit depth and keeps it from looking blah or depressing cuz let's face it, gray is not the most cheerful of shades!  Gray is sophisticated with silver jewels but with gold it is stunning and unexpected.  To add a bit of gray to your wardrobe, I found a few of my favorite grays of the season.  Starting clockwise from the left:
Dacute Light shearling jacket $1295

Rebecca Taylor The Socialite satin dress $295

Preen Line Asymmetric cotton trench $690

Lee Angel Serena glass-pearl necklace $285

Pringle of Scotland Rabbit-trim cashmere scarf $1350

Adam Woven jersey sweater $275

7 for all mankind Roxanne corduroy skinny jeans $180

Milly Jersey long-sleeved dress $395

Brian Atwood New Davis suede boots $1475

3.1 Phillip Lim Silk eyelet-embellished dress $525

Juicy Couture Sequin-embellished sweater $200

This vintage-y sequin bolero is straight out of Kate Moss' closet and I am so wishing it was hanging in mine (but my size is sold out!).  This is exactly what I've been looking for to wear with my casual jeans.  Throw on a wife beater underneath and I'm good to go for everything shopping/lunching/cocktailing.  The loose draping is slightly pleated at the waistband which gives it a bit of shape but it's the overall slouchiness that appeals to me-- a structured sequin jacket is way to Dynasty for my taste!  This  Limited Edition Sequin Bolero is $270 at Topshop.com

Karolina Zmarlak is one of NYC's hottest up-and-coming designers. In just a few short seasons she has won the Gen Art's Styles 2005 styles award in the Eveningwear Category, has lead design direction on various projects in New York, Delhi, Paris and London, and has presented her ready-to-wear collection to influencers including Fern Mallis, Amanda Hearst, and Alexis Bryan Morgan. Zmarlak is truly a genius in the way she manipulates the fabrics she works with. Her pieces are versatile -- each piece is reversible, designed to bind and tighten, and wrap or cocoon over the body. Literally you could wear any one of the designer's pieces in an endless array of ways. With so many of us looking to tighten our spending, Zmarlak's pieces strike me as a great investment (you can buy one piece, wear it three different ways and no one will know you're wearing the same outfit multiple times!). Check-out Karolina Zmarlak's collection on her website or at Takashimaya, Debut, and Eva or stop by Eva on October 29 when the designner previews her S/S 2010 collection. Invite after the jump!