Recently in Knitwear Category

Swedish fast-fashion giant H&M looks to have another hit on its hand--this time courtesy of Sonia Rykiel. The French "Queen of Knits" launched her second collection (the first being a lingerie line) with a party in Manhattan last week that had all the core looks on display. Previewing them up close for the first time, it's quintessential Rykiel--Parisian chic. The pieces, out February 20 in 250 H&M stores, are whimsical yet wearable. No surprise that color was a key characteristic of the line, which offers a little something for everyone: from adorable bracelets and wedge sandals to flirty cocktail dresses and oversized overalls. There's even a separate children's line for ages 1 ½ to 8 years old. Is it a little kitschy? Undoubtedly. Is the studded beret a little costumey? Yes. But the quality is surprisingly soft and nice to the touch. The key here, as is with all these hi-low collaborations, is to mix and match the pieces with a well-edited eye, natch. The ruffles are signature Rykiel, as are the vertical stripes featured throughout. Take note, ladies: horizontal stripes are not made for every body shape; try, try, try these on. My favorite piece? The rainbow-hued strapless dress is true knit wit! To the trained eye, it screams Rykiel! To everyone else? Très chic!

You'd think I'm living in Colorado with the dry and bone chilling weather we've been having here lately. I've resorted to working while wrapped in my old Moncler ski jacket (at my desk) and a favorite old and tattered scarf but when I go out, I want something more exciting than boring scarves and gloves to brave the cold in! The adorable sparklers from Portolano above are just what I need to perk up the dreary winter days. I don't know about you but a vision of white cashmere just makes me feel elegant and chic.  More practical snobs can opt for the same styles in black or heather gray.  All Portolano 100% cashmere knits are 25% off right now, I'm getting one of each ;)  Go here to shop!  

I found the most delightful little boutique while wandering on 3rd street in LA this week. From the window I got a peek of an actual studio behind the store where seamstresses and pattern makers were working. Intrigued, I walked in to get a better look and discovered a hidden gem-- designer Elaine Kim. Elaine is no stranger to the fashion industry, the force behind ultra popular brand "Product" in the 90s, she returned to LA from NYC to focus on raising her young family. A couple of years ago, she could not resist her true calling-- to dress women in easy pieces that may be worn in multiple ways for multiple occasions. I spent an hour in the store and would have taken every single piece in there if not for the upcoming Christmas season (always feel guilty splurging on myself when I should be focusing on giving to others!). I did, however, pick up a few key essential pieces that will kick up my wardrobe. If you live in LA, you must go check out Elaine's boutique! She is there almost daily and will give you the best styling tips, ever.

1. Dasha Cashmere Scarf Jacket: This will be my daily piece, I can wear it backwards, wrap it around like a capelet and pin it with a vintage diamond brooch or just leave it hanging open for that nonchalant ease.

2. Delta Slim Pants with leather zip detail: Holy crap, I have never worn a better pair of slim fitting pants. The fabric is ultra thick and holds in every single flab-- it's like a girdle for your legs and butt! And the leather zipper on bottom back of the leg is genius, leave it open so you can wear high platform boots and elongate the slim silhouette.

3. Deidre Leather Vest: I have dozens of leather jackets and vests and really didn't need another one but this is a butter soft lambskin with a dramatic high collar detail. I wrap the Dasha Cashmere scarf jacket around it which makes it into a whole other jacket. Zip it up and Elaine says it gives the look of "authority". Unzipped, it's an effortless chic piece to throw on over long tanks and jeans.

If you do not see your size online, call Elaine and she will make it for you! All of the pieces are made here in the US, and the cashmere is handknitted by LA artisans. Elaine Kim 8373 West Third Street LA. 323-937-0355

I always say comfort first when it comes to air travel but with these chic long cardigans, being comfortable no longer means sacrificing style! I love these fine knit cardigans from DKNY ($195)-- you can wrap it, drape it, twist it, or just wear it as is. One in each color is a must if you're planning on extended travels this summer! It is super light weight so you can even toss it on over your bikini before heading in to an air conditioned restaurant. And anyone who has spent time in Malibu knows that come evening, you'll need a wrap like this! I'm heading out there myself to join Couture Snob Heidi at her fabulous beachfront rental (next door to J. Lo!) and will be packing my cardis with me.
$195 At Net-a-porter.com

We have the ultimate gift guide for the ultimate mom! We are giving you fantastic ideas so you can be sure to get your fantastic mom (or your baby mama) the gift she deserves. There is something for every kind of mom, all Snob Worthy of course =) Also, share some of your good ideas and some gifts you have given from past Mother's Day that were a huge hit.

Click here for The Ultimate Mother's Day Gift Guide.

I have this sweater in emerald but plan to pick up the black and cream now that it's 70% off. I wear mine with leather leggings, skinny jeans or mini skirts; all belted and sleek. It's so versatile! 100% cashmere, so sumptuous and soft. You can dress it up for the holidays or go casual with skinny jeans. On sale for $417, was $1,319. Look around the sale, there are many fabulous items in all the sizes! I am obsessed with this hammered silk dress below in purple, now $945 from $3,150. You can carry this through to Spring/Summer. Yummy!

It has been so ridiculously warm these last few days that I went out last night wearing a strapless dress and nothing but a red wool Isabel Marant shawl to cover my shoulders-- the shawl is horribly itchy, but I love it nonetheless:-) Not that I'm complaining, but the weather has me on the look-out for more fall rather than winter finds. I'm not a fan of little shrugs or shrunken jackets, but I love scarves and shawls. I've been particularly enamored with Maison Martin Margiela since my Paris trip where the town was abuzz about his latest 20th anniversary collection. I love his Knitted shawl cardigan. I think it could work great for the daytime, but for a dinner with the girls or a casual date as well. Plus this is definitely a piece that can be layered under a jacket to carry over into the winter. Though, being that it's made of Viscose, the only thing I have a slight problem with is the $745 price tag. That said, it's so refreshingly light and has a wonderful drape -- simplistic without being too boring.

A few pieces from Helmut Lang in your wardrobe is all you need to look chic, day in and day out. I selected a few of my favorites from the line with must have boots of the moment from Miu Miu and Louboutin ponyhair platforms. All of the above are simple items that you can mix with your current wardrobe no matter what your style is! Michael and Nicole Colovos, creative directors behind the brand, has breathed new life into Helmut Lang without compromising his minimalistic aesthetics. I for one am a major fan, the prices are not bad either, the strapless dress is $435, slim pants are $345 and cardigans are $380. (Jump for details!) 1. Helmut Lang Cashmere long cardigan $495

Olivier Theyskens is often accused of designing pieces that are beautiful, but not ready-to-wear for Nina Ricci. While that is certainly true to some extent, he has designed some key pieces that I hope will finally give Nina Ricci the full-fledged comeback the label deserves! The Nina Ricci Bow shoulder cardigan ($1,890), is a great pick for fall because not only are chunky knits super-cozy they're one of this season's major trends and I can't even name all the collections I saw in Paris that featured pieces with geometrically draped detailings and emphasis on the shoulder (Balmain, Bruno Pieters, Gaultier, Dior and of course, Nina Ricci). Plus this is the perfect piece to quickly liven-up a simple black pant and tee look:)

Is it just me or does anyone else long for the days of gorgeous Missoni pieces? Back when I was in High School I used to pass the Madison Avenue Missoni store everyday on my way to class and I remember always being in awe of the lovely mannequins decked-out in head-to-toe Missoni. These days it seems that like Pucci, the only good Missoni pieces left are vintage. I know poor Katie Holmes has been getting a lot of flack lately, but look at that skirt! If I didn't know it was Missoni I'd think it was a hoochie K-Mart buy. Check-out some of the house's recent pieces and let me know if you agree! I have to admit though I do love their shoes (especially the touch of signature-Missoni on the top of the heel!). Missoni Suede peep-toe slingbacks
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