Comfort and a Hit of Style
Photo: Gregor Halenda
The New Cuff Watch
Movado's runway-inspired cuff watches will appeal to artsy individualists. A clean mother-of-pearl dial crowns a pink alligator, handpainted python, or orange stingray band—extravagantly out of the ordinary.
From top, $1,495, $1,495, and $995; 888-466-8236
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
From top, $1,495, $1,495, and $995; 888-466-8236
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Gregor Halenda
Fabulous When Wet
"Just because the weather is messy doesn't mean your outfit has to be," says Edmundo Castillo, creative director of Sergio Rossi. Rubber and patent leather rainwear has never been so luxurious.
From left: Aquatalia by Marvin K, $275, Aquatalia.com for more information; Sergio Rossi, $650, 212-956-3303; Yves Saint Laurent, $995, 212-980-2970
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
From left: Aquatalia by Marvin K, $275, Aquatalia.com for more information; Sergio Rossi, $650, 212-956-3303; Yves Saint Laurent, $995, 212-980-2970
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Gregor Halenda
High-End Jewelry for Less
Jewelry designer Dean Harris, whose work has appeared on the Marc Jacobs and Bill Blass runways, has interpreted the exquisite, organic look of his luxury line for a more affordable, limited edition collection with Target.
Pebble drop clear quartz earrings, Dean Harris for Target, $20; Target.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Pebble drop clear quartz earrings, Dean Harris for Target, $20; Target.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Gregor Halenda
The Sexy Evening Dress
At this price, White House/Black Market's timeless jersey dress is one reason to start making more evening plans.
$148; WhiteHouseBlackMarket.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
$148; WhiteHouseBlackMarket.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Gregor Halenda
Weight off Our Shoulders
Perhaps in response to O's article last October on cruelly hefty handbags, designers have been taking some of the weight off. Coach, Bottega Veneta, and Marc Jacobs—notorious for his metal-heavy creations—are introducing bags with minimal hardware (or none at all) in airy, supple materials.
From top: Coach, $1,000, Coach.com; Marc Jacobs, $1,275, 212-343-1490
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
From top: Coach, $1,000, Coach.com; Marc Jacobs, $1,275, 212-343-1490
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
Hallelujah for High Rises
What a difference an inch can make. This season, jeans with an eight-inch rise or higher are replacing the low-slung seven-inchers that have plagued grown women over the past couple of years. Joining them are higher-waist panties, like this precision-cut pair, designed without elastic or trim to provide smooth, invisible coverage.
"Straight Leg 545" jeans, Levi's, $44, Sears.com; high-rise panty, Commando, $32 each, HerLook.com
Stylist: Eddy Alcantara for Mark Edward Inc.
"Straight Leg 545" jeans, Levi's, $44, Sears.com; high-rise panty, Commando, $32 each, HerLook.com
Stylist: Eddy Alcantara for Mark Edward Inc.
Photo: Gregor Halenda
Brilliant Bras, Plain and Simple
Hanes "All Over Comfort" bra is supportive, unfussy (for fewer lines beneath T-shirts), offered with and without underwire, and available in a range of attractive colors that remind us of Necco wafers.
$12 each; Hanes.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
$12 each; Hanes.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Gregor Halenda
Easy Riders
"Comfort-No Gap" khakis and jeans are slimming like Spanx, attractive, and affordable as all get-out. Meant to minimize bottoms and thighs, they feature an undetectable stretch waistband that eliminates gapping (some jeans also have Lycra paneling to smooth the stomach).
Riders by the Makers of Lee, $19; RidersJeans.com for stores
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Riders by the Makers of Lee, $19; RidersJeans.com for stores
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Gregor Halenda
The Stylish Hospital Gown
DearJohnnies has designed gowns in uplifting prints that look as good as you want to feel—with snaps in the back for dependable coverage.
"Mimi," $72; DearJohnnies.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
"Mimi," $72; DearJohnnies.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Gregor Halenda
The Penny Loafer Updated
To celebrate 80 years of stylish shoes and accessories, Cole Haan is rolling out the Signature Penny Collection, an homage to the timeless loafer that takes myriad forms: colorful patent leather loafers, traditional moccasins, and even handbags with penny slots (and specially designed coins by Anna Sheffield).
Shoes from $195, bags from $225; ColeHaan.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Shoes from $195, bags from $225; ColeHaan.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Gregor Halenda
From Here to Maternity
As any mom will tell you, it's hard to feel sexy in a nursing bra. But a bunch of feminine versions have debuted from Agent Provocateur, Freya, and Dutch designer Marlies Dekkers. A range of sizes (up to a K cup) and fun patterns (polka dots, pink zebra) help remind exhausted women they're still hot mamas.
Bra, $110; panty, $85; AgentProvocateur.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Bra, $110; panty, $85; AgentProvocateur.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Gregor Halenda
Banana Republic Turns 30—and Luxe
To commemorate its 30-year anniversary, Banana Republic is getting extra-luxurious with the limited edition BR Monogram line that includes this chic trench coat in elegant Weimaraner-hued leather.
$1,200; BananaRepublic.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
$1,200; BananaRepublic.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Gregor Halenda
Victoria's Latest Secret
Victoria's Secret is upgrading in a major way with a softer, more upscale approach to sexiness. To wit: the understated look of this satin slip.
$48; VictoriasSecret.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
$48; VictoriasSecret.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Courtesy Martin + Osa, Goodsearch, Tobi.com, Kirnazabete.com
The genius of online shopping:
Several websites are offering both incredible clothes and useful services.
MartinandOsa.com has a click-and-drag feature that lets customers put together a complete look on a mannequin.
Portal site GoodShop.com donates a percentage of all purchases to your charity of choice, without the hassle of registering, whenever you buy from one of 600 affiliated merchants, including Target, Bloomingdale's, and Zappo's.
Tobi.com lets users chat one-on-one for free with a stylist who can guide them to the perfect gift or outfit.
And the fashionable friends behind the upscale, downtown Manhattan store have unveiled Kirnazabete.com, where shoppers can not only find Proenza Schouler, Stella McCartney, Rick Owens, and Lanvin (a U.S. exclusive) but also receive alerts when favorite lines go on sale.
MartinandOsa.com has a click-and-drag feature that lets customers put together a complete look on a mannequin.
Portal site GoodShop.com donates a percentage of all purchases to your charity of choice, without the hassle of registering, whenever you buy from one of 600 affiliated merchants, including Target, Bloomingdale's, and Zappo's.
Tobi.com lets users chat one-on-one for free with a stylist who can guide them to the perfect gift or outfit.
And the fashionable friends behind the upscale, downtown Manhattan store have unveiled Kirnazabete.com, where shoppers can not only find Proenza Schouler, Stella McCartney, Rick Owens, and Lanvin (a U.S. exclusive) but also receive alerts when favorite lines go on sale.
From the September 2008 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine