Nobody mixes unfiltered street with highbrow snob style quite like Rihanna. Besides, who else could even pull this off without looking ridiculous? Leaving her hotel in London yesterday, while holding her brother’s hand, Rihanna went for a high-low mix of tough tomboy and girly girl. The contrast of pastel accessories, for a palette out of the ice cream parlor, against baggy Topshop overalls, a mesh sports bra, and quirky Silver Spoon Attire beanie is a jarring one – but it somehow works.
Maybe I’ve just been seduced by the yummy color of her Givenchy Lucrezia mini tote, out of their Spring 2013 collection. A petite yet fully functional size is the right way to showcase a statement color. The addiction of clear Chanel cuff and wildly detailed Sophia Webster Riri sandals (yes, they were named after her) don’t hurt either.
You can pick up Givenchy’s Lucrezia tote, $1,632, in hot orange at Harvey Nichols or their Antigona tote, $1951.56, in pale pink on Farfetch.
Sophia Webster sandals, $935, at Sophia Webster.
Clean, classy, and elegantly unassuming: when it comes to exotics, Hunting Season remains to be a relatively under-the-radar luxury label that never ceases to deliver the goods. Launched in New York City in 2006 by Danielle Corona (who learned the ropes working on the accessory lines for Valentino and VBH in Rome), the line is an uncommon combination of gorgeously constructed exotics and thoroughly welcoming price points. And all the pieces are finished off with handmade Italian hardware.
This season, Danielle has expanded her repertoire by taking on more structured silhouettes and box clutches. Not to mention an even wider array of exotics, from lizard to ostrich. The Horn box moves checks (the pattern I’ve been obsessed with all season) in a fresh direction for fall, while shagreen looks especially sumptuous, courtesy of a pure and simple clutch silhouette. Add the Mini Chiqui in rich blue python to the mix, the most detailed of the collection, and you have an alluring bag wardrobe on your hands.
The Mini Chiqui, $872, Shagreen Box, $655, and Horn Box, $550, will be available at Bergdorf Goodman.
Proenza Schouler has struck oil yet again! I was just lamenting how Jack and Lazaro have a keen approach to keeping things fresh, and here we are with yet another covetable PS11 (and it’s a mini – my favorite!!). Patent leather gets an extra dose of shine thanks to this oil slick sheen. It’s reminiscent of a holographic bag, only this is much more wearable (even their version of the trendy style was subtler than the typical futuristic silver). Who knew a black bag could be so very far from basic? All the colors of the rainbow melt into each other, giving the mini of sense of movement that’s contained neatly in the accessory’s small structure. It’s a true day to night, skinny jeans to leather mini kind of bag. Available on Luisa via Roma for $1,990.
Katie Holmes (seen here with pal Naomi Watts) recently attended Coach’s High Line Party in NYC looking summer chic in a white, one shoulder number by Chloe, Alaia shoes and carrying a sweet Miu Miu Matelasse wallet. This is the perfect accessory for summer as you don’t want to be bogged down by big bags when you’re playing in the sunshine. You want to wear less of everything- even when it comes to arm candy in this case. The Miu Miu wallet is pretty in pink with just enough room inside to fit the essentials, Downsize for yourself this summer and pick this up at Net-A-Porter for $480.
I am seriously digging this new Chloé bag. While their releases can be hit or miss, the Vanessa reveals the best of both worlds: true innovation of design and the functionality is in no way compromised. A rare case where excess zippers look genuinely cool, and they’re not just there for show; they actually serve a purpose (a novel idea!). When you need security, the flaps zip up, but the look you really want is easy and undone. Two flaps arranged in a staggered formation make for that perfectly sloppy, effortless feel. It seems like there’s a lot going on, but not in a way that reads “overly complex” or “annoying to use.” In this case, effortless actually means it! Topped with an additional zipper – a smaller pocket that’s good for quick-grab items – you get a lovely layered effect when the flaps are folded over.
Of course, the Berry Cupcake color way is the fresher and livelier of the two, but neutral tones will offer you full-time wear for daily use – and you want that in a bag like this. I would opt for a two-tone scheme, rather than straight black, so you get the full effect of the zippers. Either way, I’m happy to see Chloé back on top with a design that turns heads.
Medium Brown Sugar, Black, and Grey are available at Barneys New York, $1,695. Medium Brown Delight is available for pre-order at Barneys New York, $1695 (expect delivery in September).
Large Berry Cupcake is available for pre-order on Luisa via Roma, $1,561 (expect delivery by September 30th).












