Cheryl Shops

Philip Crangi's Giles & Brother line is one of my favorites for low-key yet really unique jewelry. My appreciation started with a skull pendant (way back when skulls were subversive and cool) and has grown over the years, through sample sales and random finds and (sadly) the closure of G&B's jewel box of a store in the Meatpacking District. As far as jewelry goes, Giles & Brother is fairly affordable, but thanks to their new collaboration with JewelMint, it's even more so. The first in what will hopefully be many of JewelMint's Studio Series, the 10-piece capsule collection contains one ring (sold out), five bracelets (all but one sold out), one pair of earrings, and three necklaces. Prices range from JewelMint's usual $29.99 for the earrings, ring, and bracelets (which are some of the strongest items in the collection) to $59.98 for two of the necklaces and top out at $89.97 for a long, multistrand necklace. Everything carries Giles & Brother's grungy-glam aesthetic, with oxidized finishes and black-diamond crystals, and had I been more on top of my game, I probably would have snapped up more of the items before they sold out. Thankfully, my favorite piece, the multi-spear collar necklace, is still available. It's a perfect example of what makes Giles & Brother so wearable: the spears are interesting and edgy, but delicate enough that you can wear the necklace with a variety of things, from a pretty dress to a plain T-shirt. And at $59.98, it's a no-brainer, especially when similar styles from Giles & Brother proper run four times that, or more. In fact, that's a fabulous way to justify buying multiple pieces from the collection, if only more were still in stock. I'm praying they get them back soon—c'mon, wait list!

Dear readers, it's a first-ever combo post at Cheryl Shops: MasstigeWatch and In These Shoes, together at last! We've seen Nine West here before—past collections with Sophie Theallet and Giles come to mind—but last month they debuted a collaboration with a high-end retailer, Kirna Zabete. This is noteworthy in that Kirna Zabete doesn't have an in-house line—the store is known for its incredibly well-selected stock, and it's the kind of place where, if money were no object, I would totally shop all the time—and that it's a store, not an actual designer (although there are two lovely ladies, Beth Buccini and Sarah Easley, behind it). That said, it's one of the strongest collaborations I've seen thus far at Nine West—so much so that I"m featuring all eight pairs, many of which are on their way to being sold out already!


Top row:
The Bandeau was the style that first got my attention because, let's face it, who doesn't want a satin sandal with a puff of marabou feathers at the toe? Then again, with a nearly 5-inch heel, these are perhaps best suited for activities that don't require standing, if you know what I mean.

I'd hesitate to call anything with marabou feathers practical, but compared to the Bandeau, the Otay, with its 2.5-inch heel, is practically utilitarian. At least you can walk in them.

The one style that's completely sold out, the Jois is, interestingly, also the most expensive in the line, at $169. It has stiff (pun intended) competition in this area, but I would argue that it's also by far the sexiest of the collection.

Middle row:
My one quibble with this collection is that there are 4-inch heels and there are flats, but there's nothing in between. And while I'm not a flats girl, I tend to make an exception in the summer, especially for embellished thong sandals like the Seashell.

The Altra is one of those shoes that looks fabulous on the shelf (who can resist ruffles?!), but I worry a bit that it might not look so great on, especially if your legs are of the thicker variety.

Bottom row:
Another style on the verge of selling out, the Sophi is an edgy update of the every-woman's-wardrobe-necessity black peep-toe pump. It looks like something Alexander Wang would create, but better.

The Wexar would make a great summer-wedding shoe, particularly if you're getting married on the beach (I speak from experience). Unlike regular bridal shoes, I'd venture that you'd definitely wear these again.

As I said earlier, I am generally not a flats person, but the Kneata might just make a convert out of me, if only for accomplishing the nearly impossible: making flats look a little bit dangerous.

Today was the first day of spring. Here in New York, that meant sunny but brisk weather with temperatures in the mid-40s; tomorrow it's supposed to snow. Again. Is it me, or has this been the longest. Winter. Ever?! So whether or not the weather cooperates, I'd like to comemmorate this change of seasons with shoes so pretty, they can't help but improve your outlook: the floral-print Plenty by Tracy Reese Hayden pumps. A slight twist on that old chestnut "business in the front, party in the back," they have a solid suede toe with a fun floral print at the heel. They are, by all means, impractical, but they're the kind of shoes you buy on impulse; you then panic that they won't go with anything in your closet; but then they're so unique, you end up wearing them with everything. I, for one, would wear them for a month straight if it meant temperatures would stay in the 50s. Maybe we can make that happen?

When I heard Victoria's Secret supermodel Lily Aldridge designed a collection for Velvet, I admit, I rolled my eyes. While many models could feasibly design clothes, I'd hardly qualify Aldridge—who's best known for parading around in underwear—as one of them. But then I saw the collection, and while it's not reinventing the wheel, it is filled with some pretty great pieces at reasonable prices: All 13 items are under $200.

Like this army jacket. You may already have one in your closet, but if you don't, this one is cool and vintage-inspired, and, at $148, a pretty good buy. Shoppers must agree--it's already sold out most places, particularly in small sizes.


Also virtually sold out everywhere is the Stella top, a cool tee with a dark, sooty leopard-print. This is one of my favorite pieces in the collection in that it's a little edgier and yet totally wearable for a range of styles. (You can also find it on Velvet's website.)

I find it surprisingly hard to find a good striped T-shirt, but this Pearl top seems like a strong contender, especially with its cute little red heart at the hip.


I own a very similar sweater to the Saffron pullover, and not only is an airy knit a great transitional piece, but it's perfect for cool summer nights, particularly if you're at the beach.


I've been looking for a white crocheted dress for what seems like forever; the Lily dress seems just perfect, which is exactly what I'd expect, this being the one piece in the collection that Aldridge named after herself. I'll admit, it's pretty worthy. Agree?

I am such a fan of Nars cosmetics that my favorite products probably warrant their own posts, but for now, I'm focusing on one, the Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. I'd seen it cited repeatedly by fashion and beauty insiders, so I finally schlepped over to Sephora to try it out. I went straight for Dragon Girl, a bright red that tends to be the most frequently mentioned shade. And whoa. This also probably warrants its own post, but try as I might, I am just not a red lipstick girl—I feel like a clown in any lip color too different from my own, and I always worry that I'll put it on and if I kiss someone, I'll end up looking like Heather Graham in the limo scene in Boogie Nights. Anyway, next I tried Dolce Vita (pictured here), which is more of a warm rose color, or like the natural color of my lips, but better. It is perfect. The texture is somewhere between a lipstick and a pencil—it's highly pigmented like a regular lip pencil, but more moisturizing and not at all waxy. It's also a chunkier shape, making it incredibly easy to apply. The color lasts a long time and stays put--I can happily report that it passes the kissing test and usually lasts through lunch. I love the Velvet Matte Lip Pencil so much, I'm almost upset I haven't tried it earlier. As for red lipstick, I'll keep trying...

A few years ago, I had a quietly fashion-forward coworker. I say quietly because she was cool and laid-back about fashion, but in a very directional way; her trendiness wasn't in your face. She was engaged, and her ring was rose gold; at the time, I found it a bit uncharacteristic—rose gold seemed so retro, not even in a so-bad-it's-good way—but all of a sudden, it seems like the coolest thing, and I can't get enough of it. So it's good that there are a lot of great options for rose gold jewelry under $100, including pieces from some of my favorite designers. Here's what I want to add to my collection*.


Clockwise from top left:

For my birthday a few weeks ago, I treated myself to this Miss Havisham pendant necklace from one of my favorite designers, Alexis Bittar. It's one of his rare pieces under $100, and it's a great size for layering.

I am late to the Gorjana party, but I recently bought a few bracelets and I am now fully addicted. I love the delicate, timeless pieces, like this infinity charm bracelet, which don't overwhelm my teeny-tiny bony wrists.

I love jewelry with a sense of humor, like these punky-prim asymmetrical London Calling earrings by Joomi Lim.

A key to wearing rose gold is that it can't look too precious; the chunky look of this Lisa Freede stud ring ensures that won't be an issue.

I have a handcuff pendant that I bought on my honeymoon in Greece; people often stop me on the street to ask where I bought it ("On this narrow little street in Fira, Santorini..."). Next time, I'll tell them to check out Jules Smith's Friskey Charm necklace.

Confession: I follow Nicole Richie on Twitter; as far as celebrities go, she's rather amusing. Social media aside, I am also a big fan of her jewelry line, which features pieces that look more expensive than they are, like this House of Harlow 1960 Rif Pebble Cuff.

Bing Bang is one of my all-time favorite jewelry lines, so much that I try to limit my attendance at their periodic sample sales, lest I get into major trouble. But at $35 for these dainty yet rocker-cool wing studs and $68 for the talon ring, I can even afford to pay full price. Yay retail!

Last week I had a meeting that let out early, so I found myself in Rockefeller Center with a few hours to kill, and instead of going back to the office, I decided to check out our competitors, or, as you might call it, shop. One of my first stops was J.Crew, and whenever I go into one of their stores, I want to buy pretty much everything—which is why I usually try to stay away from them—and that was definitely the case, primarily due to the newest arrivals from their ongoing collaboration with Liberty of London. I am admittedly a big sucker for Liberty's prints, although I prefer the larger-scale botanicals to the ditsy florals; there's just something about them that makes me happy. And if you're suffering from seasonal affect disorder like I am, there are antidotes galore: scarves, shoes, makeup bags, clutches, plus shirts, skirts, dresses, pajamas, swimwear, and even ties for men in bright colors and fun motifs. But lest J.Crew have all the fun, Liberty is also collaborating with a bunch of other retailers this season, from Nike shoes to A.G. Jeans. Here are some of my favorites.


Clockwise from left:

Printed denim can be a hard sell, but AG Jeans always fit fantastically, and the print on these ankle-length leggings is almost tonal, making it a bit more subtle.

I don't run, but the quiet print on these Nike Free 5.0 Liberty sneakers almost makes me want to. Although, knowing me, I'd probably end up wearing them to run errands on the weekends. (That still counts as "running," right?)

Drinking coffee out of a fun mug is one of the little things you can do to brighten your day. This quirky Hello Kitty x Liberty mug has the added bonus of being so unique, no one will steal it from the office dish rack.

Of the many awesome items in J.Crew's Liberty collection, some of my favorites are the swimsuits. I love the exotic look of the Lord Paisley bandeau and matching bottoms.

But my favorite print is the Tresco floral, shown here in scarf form but also available in a skirt, a shirt, a clutch, and numerous other items. It's so tropical and bright, it's enough to take your mind off of whatever nastiness is going on outside.

I am really, really, really, really sick of winter. Really. I think I have maybe another week or two left in me, and then I'm going to need to take desperate measures: I'm going to start dressing for spring, actual weather be damned. I mean, how am I supposed to keep wearing tights and boots when there are cute shoes like these Rowan sandals by Milly for Sperry Top-Sider around? Granted, nothing says warm weather to me like a classic pair of Top-Siders, but the preppy mainstay has smartly partnered with Michelle Smith, who put a modern, fashion-forward spin on the line for spring. There are glittery slip-ons and fun printed espadrilles, but the Rowan sandal here is my favorite from the line—it combines signature Sperry elements like lacing and webbing with fashion-forward details like an espadrille platform and a chunky lucite heel. (Seriously, I am drooling over that heel!) The tan color probably would make a better transitional style, but my super-impractical side—you know, the one that wants to wear sandals when it's 40 degrees out—really loves the white. And why not? It will be spring soon enough, right? Right? Please?

 Pixelation isn't always a good thing – a poor cable connection, a blown-up photo gone terribly wrong, ridiculously out-dated arcade games (and not the fun ones) – but spring's newest digital prints are making us think that high resolution might be overrated! From tribal patterns to spring-friendly florals, these fun pixel patterns are putting a geeky-chic spin on some of our tried-and-true favorite prints, and the effect is bold and graphic with a fun, modern spin. From slouchy printed blazers like this SAM&LAVI Rere Blazer to flowy maxidresses like Matthew Williamson's Digital Blossom-Print Column dress, digi prints can be a statement-making focus of your outfit, or simply accessorize your look and update your spring wardrobe. Try Jeffrey Campbell's very on-trend Solitaire patterned platform pumps on for size, or splurge on Judith Leiber's Pixelated Python Clutch to add a little pizzazz to your go-to LBD! —Alexandra Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops. 

One of the best parts of being a fashion blogger is getting invited to showrooms to preview new collections—it's not quite as exciting as going to a runway show, but you get a one-on-one walkthrough with a knowledgable representative, and you get to touch and see everything up close. The other day, I got to see the upcoming Derek Lam for DesigNation collection, which hits Kohl's stores April 5, and let me tell you, it looks amazing. Granted, I am a flag-waving Derek Lam fan, but Kohl's is really stepping up the masstige game—like last fall's Narcisco Rodriguez collaboration, this outing is true to the designer's aesthetic, the fabrics are high quality (unlike, ahem, some other retailers), and the prices are incredibly wallet friendly ($36-$88 in this case). Lam's collection was inspired by a trip to Brazil and features his signature '70s-inspired silhouettes in everything from maxi dresses and pencil skirts to bermuda shorts and swimwear. Here are some of my favorite looks:

Hands down, my favorite item is this striped dress ($70). It's the kind of thing I wear to work all summer, and I love the flattering placement of the stripes.


A close second, I am also in love with this maxi-skirt ($54), which manages to be sexy, thanks to the adjustable button-front styling. The open-knit tank ($40) makes a low-key pairing.


There are lots of fun rainforest-inspired prints, like in this button-down shirt ($48), as well as great updated basics like this subtly pleated pencil skirt ($50).



Speaking of which, check out the groovy print on this shirtdress ($70).



I always say shopping for a jumpsuit is like shopping for a wedding dress—you might try on dozens before you find the right one. That said, this style ($88) looks like a winner.



Excited yet? There aren't any Kohl's stores in Manhattan (there are, however, in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Jersey City), but the website will be fully stocked come April 5. Masstige, it's good to have you back!

In terms of shopping, I've been a very, very good girl for the last two months, refraining (for the most part) from all the clearances and sales. But my birthday is Saturday, and I'm itching to spend some money, so here are three events that are tempting me.

I've always wanted one of his rings, so it may be time finally to treat myself to one at the David Yurman Friends & Family Sale. No word on discounts (according to Madison Avenue Spy, they're usually around 30-60% below retail), but on the first day of the sale, 10% of proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. You'll find me there right after work, hopefully with a sparkly blue stone on my right-hand ring finger. 2/28-3/3; 3-8 Th, 10-7 F-Sat, 11-5 Sun; the Altman Building, 135 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

I'll admit, I'm a huge sucker for beauty gifts with purchase, so I will also head over to Saks for their  Beauty Week event. Spend $100 and you'll receive a sample-filled tote; if shopping online, use code BEAUTY5C and get free shipping too (through 3/4).

Not to be outdone, Neiman Marcus is also hosting a Beauty Event online and in stores through 3/3; unlike Saks, they're more forthcoming about their tote and samples, free with a $125 purchase:

• Clé de Peau Beauté Le Coton, 5 sheets 
• Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, .14fl oz/4mL 
• Kiehl’s Since 1851 Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream, .25fl oz/7mL 
• Molton Brown Patchouli & Saffron Body Wash, 1 fl oz/30mL 
• Oribe Shampoo & Conditioner for Beautiful Color, .3fl oz/9mL each 
• Robert Piguet Mademoiselle Piguet Eau de Parfum, .034fl oz/1mL 
• Tom Ford Beauty Black Orchid Eau de Parfum, .05fl oz/1.5mL 
• Valentino Valentina Assoluto Eau de Parfum Intense, .05fl oz/1.5mL

I have a theory that if one of your senses is weak, your other senses are stronger, to make up for it. I have horrible hearing, which is partially genetic and partially due to my tiny, tiny ears, but I have good vision (in my mid-thirties, I don't need glasses yet, knock on wood) and, according to MW, a freakishly acute sense of smell. It can be both a blessing and a curse, especially in summer, when one is assaulted by everything from body odor to rotting garbage. But for the most part, I like smelling things, good or bad. So, in a way, I've always felt like a kindred spirit to Mark Crames, the mastermind behind Demeter Fragrance Library, purveyor of scents ranging from Laundromat and Clean Skin to Dirt and Wet Garden. And when I was given a chance to meet him—and have Crames construct a signature fragrance for me—I was there before you could say perfume.




A little background on the brand: Demeter's fragrances are meant to evoke ideas and reconstruct memories, and rather than give you a more typical scent with top, middle, and bottom notes (as most perfumes are constructed), their scents, while composed of many different molecules, typically have just one note, or accord, as they say in the biz. And even while Demeter's range of scents is rather unique, you can create a more layered, complex scent by combining several. To begin, Crames asked me what I liked to smell. I told him the ocean. So first he handed me Ocean, which smells a bit too much like the real thing, to which Crames said that we have similar perceptions of what the ocean should smell like: Salt Air. He asked me what else I liked to smell, and I said wood. Next came Sandalwood, which I know is a prominent ingredient in one of my favorite perfumes and was thus a hands-down winner. He then asked me what flowers I liked; I told him I'm not a huge fan of flowers, unless they're kind of dirty. We went through a few options, and I couldn't decide between Jasmine and Cannabis Flower (yep, it smells just as you'd expect), so we used both. And just like that, I had a custom-designed fragrance!

The great thing about Demeter is how affordable it is; each 1 oz. spray is $20 on Demeter's website ($15 at Duane Reade's Look boutiques, where I met Crames), so a custom combination of three fragrances, at $60, is still less than what you'd pay for a fancy department-store scent that you'll smell on countless other women anyway. (And, side note: Demeter's ingredients are incredibly high quality; big-name fragrances skip on ingredients in favor of spending $$$ on marketing and advertising—that celebrity in the ad doesn't come cheap!) Salt air, sandalwood, jasmine, and cannabis flower are not notes that I'd ever think of putting together for myself, but I love the way they smell, and the experience was just as fun as the result. I'd definitely recommend putting your perfumer hat on and creating your own combination, but warning, it may be addictive—I'm already thinking about my next scent...

The striped-top and peplum-skirt combos at Whit. photo by Mina Kim

The hair and makeup at Noon by Noor, easily the prettiest and most wearable I saw all week. photo by Mina Kim

That Mina got this photo of the Project Runway judges. (Side note: WHAT is Heidi wearing?!) photo by Mina Kim


Don't tell anyone, but Mina caught a model smiling at Monika Chiang. photo by Mina Kim


Fantastic-looking toggle coats at Rebecca Minkoff. Seriously, reserve one now.


The rainbow-haired Chloe Norgaard, back in action at Nicole Miller.



The clothes at Mara Hoffman were great, but what I really want is this ear-cuffs-and-chain headdress designed by Pamela Love. photo by Mina Kim


Christian Siriano knows how to stage a dramatic finale (and set—note the red curtain and chandeliers).


I loved Alexandre Herchcovitch's entire show—it was one of my favorites of the week—but particularly the upside-down, semi-undressed dresses that closed it.


The pearl sweater and lace-print skirt at Lela Rose. photo by Mina Kim


Thanks to Vivienne Tam, I'm now a trillionaire! photo by Mina Kim


Watching Bill Cunningham at work while waiting for Chado Ralph Rucci to begin.


The fact that this Chado Ralph Rucci coat exists.

That my seat at Reem Acra was close enough to the runway for photos like this.


Just when you're getting sick of looking at Eastern European teenage girls...hello, boys! (at Steven Alan)

And if the future of fashion is hologram leather, beam me up, Milly!

Catching up on a few shows from Sunday afternoon that didn't make it into an earlier post...

Custo Barcelona
 
There comes a point in every Fashion Week where one starts to lose it and, unfortunately for Mina, it happened during Custo Barcelona (mine came a few hours later, but more on that in a bit). Lovely Mina was once again crammed onto the photo riser with a bunch of sweaty, cranky photographers, in a situation one could easily describe as beauty and the beast, which—check out this transition!—was also the theme of Custo Barcelona's fall 2013 collection. There were some cute sweatshirt tops and embellished miniskirts that represented the former, but as the show went own, more and more tended to the latter. Here's what my notes read: "Sir Galahad. Old couch. Cosby sweater. Court jester." You get the point. I realize I'm probably not Custo Barcelona's typical customer, but when it comes to my own wardrobe, I certainly prefer beauty over beast.



Joanna Mastroianni
On a similar note, I attend many fashion shows for designers whose clothes I will likely never wear. This is kind of the point of Fashion Week, I suppose—to go out and see new things and expand one's horizons. I don't know whether my horizons were expanded at Joanna Mastroianni, except maybe for the fact that I learned that there are people who actually wear this stuff. Mastroianni—I'm going to call her JM for now, because that's a humdinger of a last name—is an eveningwear designer of the too-much-detail-is-never-enough vein: Think sequins, textured leather, goat hair, soutache, beading...sometimes all in one outfit! It's a lot of look, but the client-filled audience loved it—JM's final bow received one of the most enthusiastic responses I've seen thus far. As my mom says, there's a peg for every hole.


Vivienne Tam
 It's been awhile since I've covered a Vivienne Tam show, and Mina was very excited to shoot it, however considering the run-in I had with a certain power-tripping usher at this show (I speculated about the size of his manhood on Twitter, in case you missed it), I should be thankful I wasn't kicked out of the venue. (Remember what I said about losing it sometime Sunday afternoon? This was my breaking point.) I'm glad I stayed, because Tam presented a rather thought-provoking fall collection, one that I'm still processing. Known for her strong Asian-inspired designs, Tam turned to punk and pop art, but rendered in black, white, and red (a popular color palette this season), it had a severe look that, at times, seemed to be channeling, or at least commenting on, government propaganda in the face of revolution. Tam decorated dresses with a "Wan Sui" graffiti motif inspired by Chairman Mao's writings; when a black military coat with an arm patch came down the runway, audience members audibly gasped. Perhaps even more thought-provoking were her "pop culture Obama" prints that featured, yes, the President of the United States. Amidst the political commentary, however, were quiet bits of beauty: silk dresses with intricate back cutout details, kilt-like leather skirts, lovely minimal dresses with flattering A-line skirts, and a pretty badass-looking jumpsuit. Sadly, I'm not sure the attendees even registered any of it—in contrast to our previous show, this was the most quiet audience yet.