Legacy of Pearl

Biker Chic

LegacyOfPearl — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:49:16 PST

SPLURGE

STEAL

It was a rainy day and I was extra busy getting my son ready for school, dropping my husband at the airport and getting to work on time this morning. I had around five minutes to get dressed and put on make up between dressing my son for school and making oatmeal.

I cuffed the jeans I wore yesterday, put on a black turtleneck sweater and added a black motorcycle jacket. No time to change purses but one can always change shoes.

I tied my houndstooth scarf with a "flop knot" I learned yesterday from lovely E. on Academichic.

These handmade booties are by a Spanish brand called Vialis. I love their different style and make. They were being sold at Nordstrom last year. I couldn't find anywhere else that carries them in US this year. Any ideas?

CLICK HERE for more information on the brand. I love their styles and quality.

Steal or Splurge: Black Boots -- Can you tell the difference?

LegacyOfPearl — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:15:31 PST

Steal or Splurge? - Wide Belts

LegacyOfPearl — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:52:24 PST

Wide Buckle Stretch Belt $39 - Bebe

Bridle Leather Contour by Malo $250 - Vivre

Women's Two-Woven Wide Waist Belt $25 - Linea Pelle

Patent Cartridge Pleat Belt $550 - Burberry

Wide belts are one of the hottest accessories this Spring. The trend started last year, but it sure became extra popular this year with belts available in all price ranges. When it comes to steal or splurge, I'd say steal for belts. They are not everyday accessories and tend to not last long. This last statement is arguable with wide belts as they can be worn inside and outside of your jackets, cardigans, etc. and don't get worn easily as they don't sit on your waist clinging to belt loops. So, maybe it is ok to splurge on wide belts if you can find a good fit in a basic color you can match with a lot of your closet items.

When it comes to wearing a wide belt, FIT is the KEY! It should comfortably sit high on your waist close to your chest and should never be too loose. It will accentaute your shape like a corset in this way.

A good way to use wide belts is on top blazer jackets to create a sophisticated work look. They also look really stylish when worn on shirts inside cardigans. I personally don't like the on top of cardigan look as I like skinnier belts with cardigans, but the choice is yours. They look extra fab when worn with plain or color block dresses and skirts. I'd be more conservative on other accessories as your belt will be already getting attention in the right way.

Here are more wide belts for all budgets!

Steal or Splurge? - Shirtdresses

LegacyOfPearl — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:41:25 PST

Women's Roll-Up Shirt Dresses $29

Vince Belted Stretch Cotton Shirtdress $335

BCX Striped Short-Sleeve Shirtdress $48

Jenni Kayne Striped Shirtdress $495

A shirtdress is a versatile wardrobe item that looks like a lengthened shirt. It can be worn in a number of ways including office with a formal jacket and pumps or dinner dates with a belt and strappy heels or even to a rock concert with boots and a jean jacket.

Finding the right fit and style for you might take some experimenting, but it is possible to find a good shirtdress within your means. Here are some style and splurge options. Which one is for you?

Here are some more shirtdresses to get ides from...

Steal or Splurge? - Tote bags with removable shoulder straps

LegacyOfPearl — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 23:34:01 PST

Marc by Marc Jacobs Patent Mag Bag $400 - Net-A-Porter

Jimmy Choo black leather 'Marie' large tote $1720 - Bluefly

Mossimo Black Triple Handle Tote - Black $22 - Target

Bravissima Oversized Tote $29 - Forever 21

When it comes to handbags, I've always been on the splurge side. I'd rather have a few handbags that pass the test of time, weather and weight than a cute steal that breaks when I need it the most. Plus, one can get really good deals on high quality handbags on online shopping sites and bargain retail shops. It is also possible to find reasonable-priced Italian leather bags in department stores.

Here're some tote bags with removable shoulder straps. This years favorite style. What do you think? Steal or splurge? I love the Marc Jacobs Patent Mag bag.