05: Wish List, Twit Picks & Knock-off Reports

Mar
30

Knock-off Report: Chloé Marcie Small Hobo

Chloé Marcie Small HoboLast spring, Jessica Alba carried the Chloé Marcie Satchel, making a casual trip to the grocery store look so much cuter than any hobo can. Oh and… another note, totally off topic but… that necklace she’s wearing is still cute a year later!

Anyway, the only thing we weren’t too crazy about was the massive size. Can you imagine the weight of that thing!? Chloé leather is not light!

Now, for all you lovelies who don’t need to carry a house around in your handbag, we suggest treating yourself to the Marcie Small Braided Hobo that we’ve seen on Reese Witherspoon.

Pictured on the LEFT side below, The Marcie Small Braided Hobo‘s delicate braiding and a woven top-handle add rustic appeal to this rich leather design, crafted in a sleek flap-front silhouette. It measures 10″W X 11″H X 2½”D and retails for $1,560.00 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Feel like a “G &1/2” before taxes is too much to drop on a handbag? No worries! We know where you can get the PERFECT alternative (keep scrolling).

Chloe Marcie Small Braided Hobo

Pictured on the RIGHT side above in gray, The Claire Satchel by Diva Designs features textured leather like material, brushed gold hardware, cell and sunglasses pockets, and two interior storage pockets. It measures 13″W X 11″H X 5″ and retails for $85.00 at Shop Suey Boutique (tristinstyling subscribers, don’t forget to use your 20% off code)! Wanna see it in action? take a look at the video below:

Jan
17

Save A Lot Of Bacon To Bring Home Your Birkin

Q:

I just rented The Proposal and loved this orange bag (pictured left) that Sandra Bullock was wearing.

I thought it would be a perfect day to night bag to wear to work and after for cocktails, but when I looked it up, I was disappointed to find out that it’s retailed at thousands a piece with a waiting list that stretches for years!

Is this true?
Why so expensive?
Is there any way to get it cheaper?

A:

The only way to quickly get your hands on a Birkin once you get enough bacon together to get yourself one, is if you buy a pre-owned piece from a trustworthy seller or website. Ebay can be too risky when it comes to high ticket items like Birkins so we suggest buying from sites like Fashionphile or Portero.

The Orange 40cm Birkin, with Gold Hardware that Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) is wearing in ‘The Proposal’ is actually Bullock’s own that she wore to fell better about the purchase.

When asked, “What is your shopping indulgence?” in an InStyle interview by fan, Christina S. in Hicksville, NY, Bullock answered, “At the end of every film I buy myself something. I’m frugal and I have to have saved for it. I once bought a big orange Hermes bag, but the guilt that followed from buying it lasted a year. I used it in another movie I just shot, ‘The Proposal,’ so I feel better about it.”

Why so expensive? Take a look at how each lovely piece is handcrafted by Hermes artisans and tell us what you think TOTALLY WORTH IT or A TOTAL WASTE?:

Oct
30

The Queen Bee Is Queen Of All Bags

Queen Bee Diaper Bag by The Bumble ColletionThe Bumble Collection’s Queen Bee diaper bag is indeed the best bag on the market right now because it works for all stylish women (not just mommies!). It is functional and beautifully designed making it so stylish that it can be used by women without kids who are looking for the ultimate overnight/carry-on bag for traveling.

It’s a perfect size measuring at 13 x 13 x 6 with loads of pockets inside and out. Our favorite part of the bag is the adorable removable front clutch with detachable shoulder strap so you can leave the baby’s things (or luggage if using it as an overnighter or carry-on) behind in a snap!

This bag does not compromise function for fashion with exterior features such as the water resistant, full Italian cowhide leather, and 18k gold-plated signature hardware for a rust free easy pull!

The spacious interior features soil-proof lining, snaphook for keys, two bottle pockets, and two zipper pockets.

The only con is that the $300 price point might be out of budget for some women but we say it’s a great investment. Consider the fact that you will be using this bag every single day for the next few years:

Queen Bee Diaper Bag by The Bumble Colletion

# Full Italian Cowhide Leather
# 18k Gold-Plated Signature Hardware
# Removable Front Clutch with Detachable Shoulder Strap
# Lower Zipper Compartment Featuring a Plastic Zipper Pocket
# Embossed Honey Logo on Bottom of Bag
# Water Resistant Exterior
# Soil-Proof Lining
# Hidden Magnet Closure
# Interior: Snaphook for Keys, Two Bottle Pockets, Two Zipper Pockets
# Exterior: Two Side Pockets, Back Zipper Pocket
# Zipper Pull Top Closure
# Included Accessories: Shoulder Strap, Stroller Straps, Changing Pad, and Drawstring Storage Bag, Leather Stroller Straps with Separate Storage Bag, Separate Soil Proof Changing Pad, Drawstring Storage Bag
# Measurements: 13″L x 6″W x 13″H
# Front Clutch-12L x 1.5W x 5.5H

Jul
06

Sandals!

It’s been a while since we’ve received repost worthy content from WhoWhatWearDaily.

Our favorite? We’re loving the Wysh Sandal by Steve Madden (pictured left).

Take a look and read at their favorite sandals below:

“As you may have noticed, today’s splendid picks are all of the flat variation. And while we die for killer heels, we also think investing in planar pairs is just as life-affirming. Like a blazer or a top knot, these low-rise styles are a good way to incorporate some quick and easy polish into your look. ”


1. Matiko Lace-Up Bootie ($148)
2. Steve Madden Wysh Sandal ($80)
3. Mogil Coeur Shoe ($198)
4. Dolce Vita Hampton Sandal ($143)
5. LIFEwithBIRD Night Vision Sandal ($265, +61.39.410.4580)

Jul
01

LA Drama Queen Swimwear

We stumbled across swimwear by LA Drama Queen on etsy earlier today and just couldn’t help getting excited over these lovely pieces. Designed by Tani Marie who has been handcrafting clubwear, swimwear and lingerie since 1999, she learned her craft building exotic dancewear and was hired as a house mom at a gentlemen’s club.

Not impressed with the clothes available, she began creating custom pieces for the dancers. After a few months of designing and experimentation she was able to construct outfits to sell. Six months later, having a large variety of patterns, styles and custom orders, it was time to do it full time.

LA Drama Queen’s style has always leaned to the sexy side, and she draws inspiration from hip hop, 80’s punk rock, classic funk, classic pin ups, classic cinema, anime, lowrider cars and bicycles, roller skating and surfing.

Check out our top 5 below:


1. Two Piece Scrunchkini swimsuit in Navy Blue ($90)
2. Vintage Inspired Red Swimsuit w/Polka Dots ($110)
3. Absinthe – One Piece Swimsuit ($90)
4. Vintage Inspired Barbie Swimsuit ($110)
5. Reversible Tie Side Bikini ($85)

Jun
24

Up to 65% off Nina Nguyen Jewelry

Today, ideeli is having a sale on Nina Nguyen jewelry. One of our favorites, the beautiful “Multi Briolette Earrings II” (pictured left), are already sold out!

Good thing there are so many other cute pieces on sale!

ideeli is a designer shopping site for members by invite only…

tristinstyling subscribers can become a mamber in 3 seconds by clicking here and just entering your e-mail address. Spam? Nope. The only thing we’ve been getting is the scoop on sales and giveaways!

Hurry and get what you want quick because the SALE ends at tomorrow, June, 25, 2009, at 10pm (or when it sells out).

Here’s our top 5 picks and links to buy below:

1. BRIOLETTE NECK IV ($99), ORIG PRICE $279.
2. TEARDROP NECK ($77), ORIG PRICE $165.
3. CLUSTER NECK ($79), ORIG PRICE $150.
4. BRIOLETTE NECK III ($79), ORIG PRICE $204.
5. EMPRESS NECK ($97), ORIG PRICE $247.

Jun
16

Proenza Round Tortoise Sunglasses


We love Proenza Schouler’s Round Tortoise Shell Sunglasses (pictured left).

You can nab yourself a pair with metal temples at Barneys for $310 by clicking here, or get yourself an inspired pair (#5 pictured below) at Forever 21 AND a whole outfit to go with it from ModCloth for just $166.76!

Take a look at our “Round Tortoise” look of the day find and click the links to buy it all below:


1. Isabella Locket, $17.99
2. Sidecar Tour Dress, $42.99
3. Dapperly Dietrich Satchel, $64.99
4. Step Right Up Wedges, $34.99
5. Round Tortoise Sunglasses, $5.80

Jun
15

Up to 70% off Michael by Michael Kors – Ready to Wear, Nicole Miller Sunglasses & Karoo

Starting today at 11am, you can get up to 70% off Michael by Michael Kors – Ready to Wear, Nicole Miller Sunglasses & Karoo until tomorrow at 10pm (or until it sells out) on ideeli.

We just ordered the adorable “Vintage Amber ALA MODE” sunglasses by Nicole Miller (pictured left)!

Members only via invite… tristinstyling readers and clients can join by clicking here.

Here’s the scoop on today’s sales and our top 5 picks below:

1. karoo, $39.00, ORIG PRICE $130.00
2. nicole miller, $39.00, ORIG PRICE $125.00
3. michael michael kors, $30.00, ORIG PRICE $100.00
4. karoo, $65.00, ORIG PRICE $220.00
5. karoo, $25.00, ORIG PRICE $68.00

Michael by Michael Kors- Ready to Wear
Save up to 73%
Prices start at: $20
Monday, June 15th, 11:00 AM
MICHAEL Michael Kors offers the same breed of jet-setter sportswear as his namesake collection, but without breaking the bank. High fashion women like Heidi Klum and Catherine Zeta-Jones love Michael Kors’ style, so you’ll be in good company with your new MICHAEL cardigans, lightweight blouses, dress pants, and dresses. New York’s Michael Kors will outfit you with a crisp, classic American wardrobe that exudes casual cool. If your closet needs a stimulus, here it is.

Nicole Miller Sunglasses
Save up to 74%
Prices start at: $39
Monday, June 15th, 11:00 AM
Just because Greek mythology is set in the ancient past, doesn’t mean that sirens aren’t still out to play. Nicole Miller transforms present-day femmes into timeless temptresses every day. An American born to a fashionable French mother, Miller trained at both the Rhode Island School of Design and Paris’ Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. RISD ignited Miller’s wild streak, unleashing a rebellious side to her designs, while the French institution provided the young designer with a mastery of classic construction techniques.

karoo
Save up to 72%
Prices start at: $19
Monday, June 15th, 11:00 AM
Karoo, from esteemed South African designer Mark Eisen, aims to please the modern woman who desires a look of comfortable, effortless chic. Wraps, cardigans, and lightweight knits are wardrobe staples that work for daytime and night, over leggings and over jeans, creating sundry classic combinations for all seasons.

May
19

With The Band…

We’re diggin’ this retro band jacket look (pictured left) from lookbook.nu entitled “she has no time”

These jackets have been making their way into fashion since way back when on celebrity backs like Jimi Hendrix, Prince, and Michael Jackson…

Now that these pieces are sweeping back into the wardrobes of today’s celebs like Taylor Swift (jacket #2 pictured below), Kanye West, and Lupe Fiasco, the trend has been sold out and hard to find due to high demand.

Don’t sweat it though, cause we’ve got you covered with links to our favorite finds below.

Spring’s on its way out so there isn’t much time left to sport yours before it’s time to put it away for fall:

1. Urban Outfitters, Silence & Noise Cropped Band Jacket ($39.99)
2. BB Dakota, Sgt. Pepper’s Jacket ($80.00)
3. MARC BY MARC JACOBS Link Outline Hoody ($147.90)
4. Paris Hilton In the Band Jacket ($54.99)
5. Fendi, Military Detail Blouse ($436.00)
6. TAO Comme des Garçons, Drummer Boy Jacket ($1983.00)

Apr
23

Ask tristinstyling: How do I transition into spring wardrobe?

Q:

It’s still a bit chilly but I’m over my winter sweaters. Besides, it’s not too cold nowadays that I really NEED to be wearing such heavy clothing. How can I dress more in season with this up and down weather?

Also, where can I go to get some cute spring stuff without spending too much?

A:

So maybe the midwest isn’t lucky enough to get the hundred degree heat that friends in L.A. keep whining about (right now) but hey Chicago, sixty degrees beats snow so I say let’s unpack your warmer weather threads and spruce it up with hot buys to get you stylin’ as we spring into summer fun!

For now, hold on to your lightweight layering accessories like scarves and tights so you can still keep from feeling chilly until the weather begins to stay warm a little more consistently.

If you want to give your entire look an update without having to buy a whole new wardrobe, buy a few interesting pieces like the ones below to make one stunning ensemble or… add just one interesting item to different simple outfits (like colorful shoes or a hot purse with jeans and a t-shirt) to create a “focal piece” that turns boring, into, “So cute! I love your shoes!” or “Where did you get that purse?”

Ruche is a great place to shop for inexpensive, vintage inspired pieces.


Pictured above:
1. Red Braided Shoulder Bag, $36.99
2. Brassica Seed Crochet Cardigan, $34.99
3. Coco Cabana Flower Print Dress, $34.99
4. Pink Studio “Winnie” Peep Toe Flats in Red, $68.00