Red Purses

Following the same logic from the previous post (on "Red Dresses"), red purses are also perfect attention grabbing accessories.

The ideal pop of color for an outfit since red goes with a fairly wide spectrum of colors. For example, the teal tops shown with the red bags may seem like an unlikely combination, but it really makes the red pop.

Most people opt for neutral color bags that will go with everything and that's all very well and good, but it's even easier to work with a wardrobe full of neutrals and adding color with accessories, making a gorgeous red bag a great investment.

Left to Right:

Nubby Pleated Hobo (in Deep Guava),

Kenneth Cole New York Flap Down Small Satchel,

Cole Haan Aerin Patent Leather Satchel,

Steven Lady Lock Silver Hobo,

Marc by Marc Jacobs Krazy Kord Faridah.

Red Dresses

Red dresses will always make others take note - perfect for occasions when you don't mind a little extra attention.

Left to Right:

Draped Jersey Dress,

Cap-Sleeve Ruched Printed Dress,

City Style Jersey Dress.

Cute Hoodie - Now on Sale!

The Semaphore Hoodie from this post is now on sale (now $39.95, was $68.00).

Adorable Printed Jersey Dress

Rayon jersey has got to be one of the most comfortable fabrics out there and this dress is no exception.

The Envi Ivory Floral Jersey Tie Neck Dress has a gorgeous border print at the hem and halter neckline.

Everything about this dress says sweet and innocent, but the back is sexily low - a great dress for showing off the back and shoulders.

Reminder About Giveaway!

Don't forget to enter the Giveaway!

$75 gift certificate to Manhattanite is on the line.

Click here for details! (Ends June 10th, 2008)

Sexy Summery Tops

Warm weather is best enjoyed in outfits that are a little more revealing (so long as it's tasteful).

This Katie Open Back Top looks like a simple top from the front, but the cutout in the back is a surprising touch.

Halter tops are a great way to show off shoulders. A cinched waist ensures that this Printed Halter Top is as fitted to the body as possible.

The Peacock Print Top has a mixture of two prints, and o-ring details on the straps. The silhouette is airy and pretty - exactly what you want on a hot summer's day.

Marcasite Rings

Marcasite, or "white iron pyrite," is a mineral with a metallic sheen and looks so organic. Most of these rings have a great vintage feel to them, but there are also some great modern designs out there also.

Left to Right:

Sterling Silver Marcasite Swirl Ring,

Sterling Silver and Marcasite Fashion Ring,

Sterling Silver Marcasite Band Filigree Floral Ring,

Sterling Silver 6 Row Marcasite & Cubic Zirconia Ring,

Sterling Silver Marcasite Ring (Style 1296kz),

Sterling Silver Marcasite Ring (Style 1309kz).

Cute Hoodie

Hoodies are great for everyday casual wear. Easy to throw on and always comfortable, no wardrobe is complete without this simple cover-up.

The Semaphore Hoodie is dressy as far as hoodie goes - the perfect casual-chic piece. It looks so pretty when open with the drape-front, and looks equally good buttoned up too.

MBMJ Necklace

A long chain and a big bold pendant in a bright color make the MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Hinge Jewels' Square Pendant Necklace stand out.

If it were just the gold cutout rectangle on a gold chain, the design would be so classic and simple, the colored sides add a modern twist to the necklace, but it's still easy to wear.

Bracelets Inside Bangles

Check out these snazzy wrist adornments.

The Juicy Couture Thin Resin & Chain Bangle Bracelet (left) and the Internal Bangle merge basic chains with resin or acrylic for a fresh new take on bracelets AND bangles.

These simple pieces are perfect for stacking (which is pretty neat because usually it's not so easy to stack chain bracelets on your arm).

Giveaway Reminder

Don't forget to enter the first ever Giveaway! Up for grabs is a $75 gift certificate to Manhattanite!

Click here for details!

Braided Tank

This breezy Matty M Braided Jersey Tank Top has a stunning neckline.

This is the kind of tank that is the kind that can be dressed up or down, but it won't look too over or under dressed.

Just an easygoing, pretty summer tank.

Extra 20% Off Sale @ J.Crew

Picks from the J.Crew sale section (which is an extra 20% off through May 17th, 9:59pm ET).

Left to Right:

Byzantine-Print Merino Cardigan (J.Crew print cardigans are always so pretty),

Wavy Double-Link Bracelet (a unique take on a basic piece),

Kaleidoscope Bracelet (as seen in this previous post),

Enameled Tile Necklace (perfect for sprucing up boring neutral tops or dresses).

Darling Peep Toe Flats

These Daffodil Satin Flats are adorable.

The description (a green floral print satin peep toe flat with yellow leather cutout detail on the vamp) portrays a very busy shoe, but it all comes together and looks so cute.

Botkier Clutches on Sale

The Nicole Clutch (now $226.90, was $325) has some cool hardware like a chain strap woven with leather and a chunky metal zipper.

Mixing textures is a great way to create interest with the same color, like the Cairo Clutch (now $199, was $495) with it's lambskin and ponyhair combo.

Canvas Tote for Summer Essentials

I love the oversized bow on the side of this Cross-Body Tote.

This is the perfect toss-in-everything-and-go type of bag for when you're heading out to enjoy the warm weather.

Floral Skirts

Normally when thinking about floral skirts, I think flowing, light fabrics and dainty prints. These straight, cotton skirts with boldly colored florals are feminine but definitely not prissy.

Left: Pleated Floral Skirt

Right: Flower Paisley Medallion Print Skirt

These geometric floral prints in this structured silhouette are definitely a great way to do florals at work.

Printed Canvas Totes

These canvas totes are fun versions of a simple work bag.

For something with a design that's not too crazy, check out the Rampage Print Canvas Tote Bag. The colors are not too bright, but there's still a cool print that makes a basic tote less basic.

If you prefer bright and eclectic, the Rampage Abstract Printed Canvas Tote Bag might be more your speed. The red, purple, and grey swirl print has a groovy 70's vibe.

Giveaway!

Manhattanite and shopaphilia are proud to team up together to present the FIRST GIVEAWAY on shopaphilia!

The Prize: A $75 Manhattanite gift certificate (which can be used in conjunction with the 20% off promo code "Spring2008" - this means it's really a $93.75 gift certificate!)

How to Enter: Go to Manhattanite and select your favorite item.

Either email (shopaphilia [at] eabx [dot] org) or post a comment with the link to your favorite item and a short explanation of why it's your pick.

If you opt to post a comment, please make sure you include your contact information (either by logging in to Google/Blogger, OpenID, or by providing your name and URL/email). Without a method for us to contact you, you cannot win.

You can enter from now until June 10th, 2008 at 11:59pm EDT. The winner will be selected at random, and contacted the day after the sweepstakes close.

Good luck, everyone!

BirkaScandinavian Jewelry

Left to Right:
Flower Earrings, Amber Ring (available in sizes 2 - 15), Midsummer Bracelet

Etsy is a fantastic outpost for anything handmade. One of our favorites is BirkaScandinavian, a store that strives to create "elegant designs at affordable prices." The quality of the jewelry is outstanding, and the designs strike the perfect balance between classic and modern.

We simply love the stacking rings that come in a plethora of colors AND sizes, which allows for mixing-and-matching on all fingers. Simple basics that are perfect for all occasions and outfits.

Recently, we caught up with Marie Maciel, the designer behind BirkaScandinavian.

shopaphilia: Can you tell us about your biggest inspirations for your designs?

Marie Maciel: Being from Sweden I grew up with Scandinavian design. Being homesick makes me appreciate it even more. I want to make functional jewelry with Scandinavian simplicity and clean lines.

shopaphilia: What got you started with creating your own line of jewelry?

MM: I started making jewelry in Sweden. My mother was an avid knitter and it was natural to fall into jewelry chain-making since it is very similar to knitting. I then got deeper into silver smithing and developed the skills I needed to express the ideas I was having at the time. When I moved to the US six years ago, I expanded my business. I began selling my jewelry to Scandinavian stores in the US. The business grew and developed into what it is today.

shopaphilia: You've lived in Sweden and studied as an archaeologist - how has this exciting background influenced you as a jewelry designer?

MM: I try to have a historical perspective when designing. I’m drawn to old artifacts and I try to incorporate these ancient influences into my designs as much as I can. When I design, I seek to remain grounded in the classic at all times while I explore the modern. This keeps me from creating anything too crazy, but I always try to remember that the new and modern is what I am truly after. It is a push and pull, and a little knowledge of the past is always a great help!

shopaphilia: Marie, thanks so much! We look forward to exploring any new designs you come up with at BirkaScandinavian!

Bold, Earthy Necklaces

I picked up this Stacked Disc Necklace recently. It's a pretty solid, heavy necklace (budget jewelry can sometimes be too flimsy). I love the bright tangerine color and the stacked discs with the edges sliced off really add some interest.

The Tiger Eye Necklace is another gorgeous piece. The cotton thread wrapping the necklace gives it a natural feel and the tiger eye beads have just the right amount of glint to them.

Mixed Print Dress

For a fun look with lots of color, try a piece with mixed prints like the Alanna Dress.

The waist cinching, tie-back sash emphasizes the waist and the flare away from the body creates a nice hourglass figure.

Made of breathable cotton, this is a great dress for kicking around in on a hot summer's day.

ON does Suits?!

Old Navy has 3 Suit Collections available now: Linen, Railroad Stripe, and Classic. The only collection with a blazer is the Classic, but the skirt option is a mini, which is not very professional.

Not quite sure where ON was headed or who they were targeting with this collection since I don't think anyone who needs a suit would find these sufficient. Yet, nobody I knows would wear a suit to just chill out either. Nonetheless, as separates, these would be fine for a business casual environment.

Left to Right:

Classic Cropped One-Button Blazer,

Classic Pleated Miniskirt,

Railroad Stripe Wide-Leg Pant,

Linen Pencil Skirt

Neiman Marcus First Call Sale

Hot pieces on sale that can be worn now.

Left to Right:

Michael Kors Debutante See-Through Wedge (now $161, was $230),

Cole-Haan Layla Patent Leather Clutch (now $225, was $158),

Marc By Marc Jacobs Lovely Clutch (now $174, was $248),

Isda & Co Gathered Dress (now $95, was $135),

Berek by Takako Sakon Beaded Sweater (now $64, was $128)

Review: Work Tops for Spring/Summer

When the weather gets hot, light tops that are office appropriate are essential. Recently, I tried these on.

If your office is ok with showing shoulders, this Sleeveless Ruched Top would work on it's own since it has thick straps that make sure bra straps don't peek out. For a more conservative office, add a little cardi (a short-sleeve or 3/4-sleeve version would work perfectly).

For a little more coverage, a simple Crewneck with Tucking Details made of silk-viscose is an easy-to-wear silhouette that is definitely office-ready.

The Pleat-Front Blouse is a traditional shape that is made feminine with an airy cotton-silk blend and pretty pleats. Despite it's breezy qualities, it's not see-through so it doesn't require a layer underneath.

Sweltering workdays are infinitely easier with tops like these that help you stay cool and still look professional.

Martin + Osa Review

Martin + Osa is a store from American Eagle Outfitters Inc targeting the 28 to 40 year-old demographic.

From Left to Right:

Scarf-Neck Top

The Osa Flower-Print Tank

Cashmere + Silk Cardigan

Extend Tab Trouser Jean

I loved the simple, unpretentious wardrobe basics that had soft, luxurious fabrics. The prices were fairly reasonable.

The store itself is fine - nothing striking, but nothing off putting either. The bright lighting on the sales floor was a little stark for my liking. Conversely, the dressing room felt like it wanted to be a sauna with lighting so dim, it was a challenge to get a true idea of how the items looked on.

Currently, there are only 20 Martin + Osa stores, and surprisingly, 2 of them are here in Massachusetts (usually more "fashionable" places get new stores first, but I guess good ol' MA was identified as a haven for the M+O demographic).

Asymmetry on Tops

Tops with a asymmetrical details like these can make an outfit unique and interesting.

The Dolce Cabo Asymmetrical Print Short-Sleeve Cardigan has a lovely paisley-esque print that spans almost half of the front. Yet, it's not too outrageous because the colors are neutral.

This Embellished Top is a simple white v-neck tee with pretty beading on one shoulder making it a little less ordinary.