Menswear-inspired pieces don’t need to automatically assume androgyny. On the contrary - there is something brazenly feminine and self-confident about donning a fedora, tuxedo jacket, or in today’s obsession: a vest.
$100 and Under
A relaxed shape gives this Fluxus Papa vest a certain insouciant versatility. As seen on Leighton Meester. $65
Get John Varvatos at a fraction of the price with this striped vest (produced for Converse). $68 (orig. $195)
Belting this double-breasted Banana Republic vest
emphasizes the waist. $69.99 (orig. $98)
The Mid-Rangers
This Robert Rodriguez halter vest
is totally unnecessary yet bizarrely beautiful. $259
Black piping details adds sass to this Rag & Bone double-breasted vest
. $116 (orig. $290)
A pseudo mandarin collar and built-in belt are special finishing touches for this Development Dreyfus Vest
. $105 (orig. $264)
The Spendy Picks
Menswear is re-imagined as a beautifully structured dress in this Alexander Wang piece. $695
Mike & Chris are the masters of downtown style and leather items, and their Dallas belted lambskin vest is no exception to either rule. $438 (orig. $627)
A fabulously insane vest by way of waistcoat by Fashion Fringe winner Eun Jeong. It’s like something that you would wear to your favorite enemy’s wedding just to mess with them. $2920
On last night’s episode of The Real Housewives of New York, Bethenny fielded advice from everybody and their brother regarding dating. While she seemed to ultimately put her prospect in the just friends pile, she did pick out a very cute and completely first date appropriate outfit: jeans and heels paired with Rami Kashou’s lovely Ema top in gold.
Bethenny is clearly super skinny, but this is also an ideal top for women with curves: the corseted waist cinches you in and defines your shape immediately below the bust (instead of billowing out and making you appear larger).
In any case, an obvious upgrade from the OC Housewives Sky tops - it enhances the bust without over-sharing your girls in a gaudy, jewel-covered mess.
Want it? You can by it directly from the designer.
Photo credits: Rami Kashou, Bravo
A little texture always makes a basic more interesting. Braided and rope details on accessories give pieces a vintage look, but generally avoid falling into the Retro Betty trap.
$100 and Under
These Rachel Leigh Olivia bow earrings are perfect basic gold studs without the yawn factor. $50
This Juicy Couture bangle set combines tiny rope details with pearl and turquoise beads. $98
I have a love of wide waist belts that approaches Tyra Banks-like levels, and this braided double buckle belt is a great wardrobe staple. $19.99
The Mid-Rangers
Proof that big gold chains can be relatively subdued: Kenneth Jay Lane’s Gold Twist Necklace features textured links and a nice long opera length. $108 (orig. $135)
Gold vermeil chain is interwoven with braided leather in this CC Skye “good girl gone bad” necklace. $143.66 (orig. $234)
If you want to go literal but remain fab, this metal mesh necklace twists hand painted silver plate chains to give a rope-like appearance. $128
The Spendy Picks
I always have this big (and to date unexecuted) plan to find the perfect chic summer hat to wear around, and this Eugenia Kim Panama fedora, with its buckled hemp braid, comes pretty darn close. As seen on Cameron Diaz. $295
I love the deconstructed braid on this Peter Som suede belt. $395
Well, just looking never hurt anyone. Channel your inner window shopping Holly Golightly with this vintage 18K gold Tiffany’s necklace. $5000
I’ll admit it: I love putting my initials on things. I blame it on my dad: he has a southerner’s all-encompassing love of monogramming anything and everything – his canvas farmer’s market bag, car mats, house robe, you name it - which would make total sense if he were actually from the American South and not, you know, a Lithuanian immigrant.
Beyond personal genetics, I think it’s safe to say that we all fell in love a little with self-referential accessories when Carrie’s gold name necklace made its debut on SATC. The nice thing about Jennifer Zeuner Swirly Initial Necklace, here seen on Lauren Conrad, is the artistic setting of the alphabetical letter, making it more of an art piece and less of a “oh, she’s one of those girls.” Currently available for $242.
