Ardistia New York: Spring's Latest Looks

I recently received this an e-newsletter from Ardistia New York on latest looks for the spring collection:

The spring collection offers an assortment of timeless black and white pairings with modern, fresh updates to help you step into the new season effortlessly.

• Add a breath of fresh air to your wardrobe with a statement-making, edgy strapless dress with couture detailing, perfect for welcoming warmer days to come.
• Fall in love with a soft, artfully undone white t-shirt with asymmetrical drapery, a great new must-have item for your closet. Pair it with simple black shorts for the ultimate relaxed chic look.
• Continuing its popularity as a staple item this season, an oversized boyfriend jacket is a versatile companion piece to instantly freshen your look. Slip it on over an updated white t-shirt and black shorts to create a modern, urban look that’s fit for day or night.

Here are some more looks from the spring collection. To view the full collection, go to www.ardistianewyork.com and select “Spring/Summer 2010”.

Jodi Arnold for The Limited Launching Spring 2010

Jodi Arnold

This Spring, be on the lookout for Jodi Arnold for The Limited, launching in stores and online at thelimited.com on March 18, 2010. The exclusive collection of dresses, tops and bottoms feature fresh colors and unique prints at an affordable price. Dresses with intricate embellishments retail from $98 - $128, tops with feminine silhouettes are $49.50 - $59.50 and expertly crafted skirts and shorts are $59.50 - $84.50.

"My joy in design is creating beautiful and wearable clothing for a variety of women. I love silhouettes, prints, and details that have a modern twist. I am constantly drawing inspiration from art, craft, and culture...a shared discovery."

- Jodi Arnold for The Limited

Inspired by the art and authenticity of handcraft, the Spring collection, CRAFT, celebrates women from all cultures who sustain themselves and their communities through their design skill and expertise.

I have a few favorites in this collection, including the teal one-shoulder dress with elastic, drawstring waist, t-shirts and grey cardigan. These pieces can easily be mixed into your wardrobe. I love mixing classic neutrals with modern, embellished or colorful pieces. Jodi Arnold's designs really shine through, while representing The Limited brand.

"Fashion is not art," adds Jodi, "It's a fine line between art and commerce. The joy is in creating something that is beautiful and art-inspired yet wearable for many kinds of people."

- Kim Weling

Listen to Jodi elaborate further on the embellishments

Banana Republic Spring / Summer 2010

Are you anxiously awaiting putting away your heavy, bulky sweaters and shopping for some lightweight clothing for the upcoming spring season? Here's a sneak peek at what will soon be at Banana Republic stores for spring. The collection seems more trendy and upbeat. Spring is a time for layering. As you layer, tame that loose silhouette with a belt to create a more fitted look. Be sure to add a pop of color if you plan on wearing neutrals, or metallics or sequins to dress up your look. I am all about scarves, so I look foward to wearing them around the waist or neck as essential accessory piece. As for embellished necklaces, absolutely love them. Scarves, necklaces or both, it's a must-have to complete your outfit.

- Kim Weling

12th Annual Shoe-Inn Warehouse Sale Continues at the Hammerstein Ballroom

If you missed the Shoe-Inn sale this week at Gotham Hall, be sure to check out the continuation of the warehouse sale in the Manhattan Center Studio at Hammerstein Ballroom - 311 West 34th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenue on January 13th - 15th. I was hoping for deeper discounts on the last day at Gotham Hall but there was only an additional 10% off. The sale at Hammerstein starts at lower price points, so I am glad I resisted the urge to splurge!

All Shoes are $19.99 - $74.99 and all booties and boots are $34.99 - $99.99. New merchandise daily. 3 days only.

- Kim Weling

Blue Notch Jeans Spring / Summer 2010

'The world of Blue Notch is where uptown quality meets downtown edge, giving the uptown girl instant edge or the downtown guy inconspicuous class'.

Back in October when I attended the spring preview for Blue Notch Jeans, I was unfamiliar with the denim line. My Blue Notch skinny jeans are my favorite pair for this spring, so I would definitely add this brand to the top of my list.

The jeans are made of superfine Japanese denim with 5% stretch. Blue Notch combines modern technology with natural indigo dyes. They are an eco-friendly brand, and one of the only denim houses in the world with their own washing factory (in Korea), using natural springs and a water filtration system.

Celebrities such as Beyoncé and Mischa Barton have been spotted wearing Blue Notch.

These are the most lightweight jeans I have ever owned, and have a comfortable yet super-snug fit (now if only I had long legs!) and accentuate my rear! I am more than happy with these true-to-my-size, size 24 jeans. Blue Notch Jeans have distinct details, including the logo engraved rivets and coated piercings on the coin pocket that add a raw edge look and feel. Everything about these jeans are high quality - stitching, wash, distressed and destructed details.

An average pair of Blue Notch Jeans are $180, and can be found at Henri Bendel, Icon, True Boutique, Barney's Co-op or Atrium.

- Kim Weling

Shoe-Inn Warehouse Sale - Final 2 Days!

If you are looking for shoes or boots, check out the 12th Annual Shoe-Inn Warehouse sale's last two days at Gotham Hall. I go every year, and always end up buying multiple pairs. The sale started on Saturday, but I stopped over after work today. They didn't have as many size 5 boots as I had hoped, but they do re-stock every day. I did see a pair of Roberto Del Carlo leather boots I liked for $199, as well as Michael Kors slouchy suede boots for $99.

They have great designer brands there, including Stuart Weitzman, Juicy Couture, Calvin Klein, Kate Spade, Cole Haan, DVF, Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney and more.

They also have accessories, including $3, $5 and $15 bins full of different headbands. There were cute, jeweled headbands (think Blair Waldorf) in the $15 bin. Unfortunately those headbands are too girly for me. I end up looking like I should be a schoolgirl on Gossip Girl.

There was a $20 bin of knit scarves and various priced designer handbags from Kooba, Botkier, Cettu, Francesco Biasia and more.

I plan on going back on the last day of the sale, when the shoes are usually discounted further. One year it was buy 2 get one free! Word of advice: there are no mirrors, so bring the largest one you have. I made the mistake of forgetting mine at work. A pocket mirror won't do.

All Shoes $19.99 - $99.99

All Booties & Boots $34.99 - $199.99

Ends Wednesday January 6th, open from 9-7

Gotham Hall

1356 Broadway (corner of 36th St. & Broadway)

Accept Amex / Visa /MC

Happy shoe shopping!

- Kim Weling

Steve Madden Spring 2010

Here's a sneak peek of what's in store for Steve Madden Spring 2010, including the Steven by Steve Madden collection. My favorites include the Steven open toe, patent leather and canvas ankle boots with a low heel. They look very comfortable for walking. If you are in the market for 4 or 5-inch heels, there are numerous sandals, pumps and ankle boots to choose from. Most of my shoes are basic in color, but since one of my favorite colors is cobalt blue, the suede ruffled pumps and ankle boots catch my eye, and the ruffles add a feminine twist.

- Kim Weling

'Paty' by Steven by Steve Madden

'Toppazz' by Steve Madden (right, $109.95)

'Tuscaan' by Steve Madden (right)

'Mainst' by Steve Madden ($109.95)

MCM New York Spring / Summer 2010

Back in October I attended the MCM New York Spring/Summer 2010 Preview at the Gramercy Park Hotel Roof Club, the perfect spot for some natural lighting. Spring/Summer 2010 marks MCM New York's second season, designed by Joy Gryson, in collaboration with the MCM Design Team. The collection is the epitome of modern luxury, building upon the energy of New York City and the brand's elegance.

The collection is inspired by the beauty of Paradise and the elegant elements of nature, using decadent fabrics of Karung watersnake, python and lambskin.

Notte now includes the chic Fashion Tote and shoulder bag. Notte bags are made with soft lambskin leather in black, cuoio, metallic gold, metallic python gold and grey. The bags are finished with sophisticated pale gold hardware and accented with embossed leather. The Fashion Tote has a modern circular handle and is offered in grainy lambskin with a glittery metallic finish or opulent textured leather.

Sportivo welcomes the newest shapes for spring such as the clutch and Bowler. Other shapes include the satchel, hobo, shopper and tote. The collection is made of goat leather and calf leather trim. Available in black, pale blue, pale violet, white with grey accent and gunmetal. Prices range from $595 - $1295, and exotic skins $2350.

Annodare, meaning 'knot' in Italian, is made of lightweight lambskin with elegant silver chain detail, metal oval ring and embossed MCM logo attached to the center knot. Notice the knotting technique and tie dye effect on the leather. The Annodare silhouettes include the small cross hobo, large hobo and tote in shades of black, royal blue, light grey and chalk/black.

Pop Python is the epitome of chic lavishness in polished python, with decorative hardware and chain shoulder strap. Available in Beige, black, green, lavender and red.

The Flower Breeze collection incorporates the 'classic motif of the cognac Visetos with brightly colored floral prints', with contemporary colorful handles and interior,adding a unique twist. This collection includes a clutch, tote, shopper and weekend travel bag.

Amazoneness is crafted from snake skin embossed leather. The Hobo and the Boston shapes feature refined gold chain leather woven straps.

The classic Alda collection includes new colors - white, yellow, lilac, scarlet red and black. Details include the pale gold hardware and chain strap. The Alda Tambourine bag (available in 5 colors) is a modern update to MCM's classic round-shaped shoulder bag, reminiscent of the 80s looks of the catwalk.

Also featured for spring are Paradise, City Chic and Semi Fashion Visetos Men's collections.

The MCM New York collection is sold exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue stores nationwide and the MCM Plaza Boutique.

- Kim Weling

Ann Taylor LOFT Spring 2010

Chiffon petal cardigan

Metallic ruffle trench

Ruched leather jacket

Voile tie front tank with floral v-neck cardigan

I've been meaning to catch up on all the spring previews I've attended, especially since spring is just around the corner. For Ann Taylor LOFT Spring 2010, jewelry is just as big of a statement as the clothes. Belts are also a must, especially scarves worn as belts. There's a lot of layering involved, such as a ruffled button front shirt under a shirtdress or a ruffle pullover under a textured cardigan and anorak, with both looks accessorized with a belt and scarf.

The collection has a neutral palette, mixed in with navy, white, grey and floral and dot prints, infused with feminine accents such as ruffles, chiffon petals, rosettes and appliqué on dresses, cardigan and tanks. Two of my favorite pieces include the chiffon petal cardigan (inexpensive at $59.50), metallic ruffle trench ($128) and ruched leather jacket ($298).

The boyfriend jeans and shorts are still popular for spring, but I really like the look of the rolled up rinse-wash skinny jeans paired with a longer, layered silhouette on top.

With necklaces being a dominating accessory, it's may not be enough to just wear one. You can double up and layer together, such as the teardrop and open link necklaces. With several other necklaces to choose from - briolette, chain, coral stone and gold flower and chain ribbon, they can really make an impact on your completed look.

- Kim Weling