ACCESSORIES

Despite being crammed onto the escalator like a rush hour sardine, I rode through the subway yesterday afternoon feeling quite content thanks to a taste of summer-like weather. After glancing down to admire my newly self-pedicured toes and to bemuse as to whether or not I deserved an ice cream to celebrate the season (I don’t, and I didn’t), I looked up, and that’s when I saw them: the heels of hell.

A well-dressed woman, likely in her mid-30s, was rocking some serious canvas wedges – and some serious strategically-placed bandages on her heels – unaware that her fellow passenger was aghast at the equivalent of bra-strap overload. There were four or five bandages on each heel – to be honest, I lost track after two – layered to cover blisters and the shame of an ill-fitting shoe.

Ladies, ladies, ladies. If you’re old enough to buy your own clothes and accessories, you’re old enough to buy properly fitting footwear. There’s simply no excuse for reverse muffin top (when toes are unceremoniously propelled forward over the edge of a sandal because they have no where else to go), a blister bonanza (go a size up! no one is looking at the number), or having to sulk in the corner on a Saturday night out while your girlfriends are dancing it up (because you bought cheap shoes with no flexibility in the sole and can’t stand for more than five minutes without becoming gripped in pain). Granted, blisters can happen accidentally and even with the most delicious Ferragamo flat by chance, but are mostly by-products of awkwardly placed heels, straps and seams.

Think about it. We all have different body types; likewise, we all have different shapes and sizes of feet. What will work for one narrow-footed Nancy won’t necessarily work for a wider-soled Wilhelmina – which is why there are a virtual bevy of styles to choose from at any given time. And don’t use a sale as an excuse to pick up a pair of ridiculously bad-ass heels that you can never wear because the straps don’t quite cover your ankles. Unless, of course, you like gazing wistfully at unworn shoes in your closet. And if that’s the case, then I suggest a strong drink and blasting some Ting Tings to shake off the discount blues.

So get out there, my fellow bargain connoisseurs, and shop until your coupons drop – and please, try before you buy.

-Karyn Polewaczyk

Adding color to you wardrobe can be a daunting task, you may find yourself puzzled. Questions like what colors work the best with my skin tone? What colors are complimentary with my outfit? And what colors are the most flattering? These are all things we as consumers ponder when making this difficult decision, but fear no more Happy Socks is here to save the day! The Swedish brand has hit the sock market with a blast of color (literally) they have developed cool socks that can spruce up a grey suit, add a splash of color  to a pair of rolled up jeans, and make any shorts lively!

The brand hosted a party this past Friday that I was lucky enough to attend. Seeing the colors of these vibrant socks up close, convinced me to become a HAPPY Happy socks customer! My favorites are the Argyle, Pastel, Optic and the Long Stripe’s. The party attracted all the happening cool crew, and trendsetters, most of whom donned the colorful socks. I even nabbed a chance to meet with the designer who informed me that the brand is moving along quite well since its launch, selling in over 20 countries worldwide.  The socks retail for $10 and can be found at Barneys, Opening Ceremony, Steven Alan and on their website at www.HappySocks.com 

With the DJ spinning Bloc Party and drinks all around, the event was a total success in my opinion. Happy Socks is definitely a product that I feel can jazz up any wardrobe for both men and women, adding color to your life can be as simple as buying awesome socks!
“Get your socks on!”

James Field

 “A young Thai jewelry designer has crafted a tiara worth $4.2 million for his pet dog, using precious stones given to him by his mother.

Riwin Jirapolsek, who showcased the tiara at a dog show in Bangkok recently, said he wanted to make something special for Kanune, his 15-year-old male Maltese.

He took almost two months to finish the piece, which is made from titanium encrusted with 250-carats of emeralds and diamonds.

Jirapolsek said he has no plans to sell the tiara, and now wants to create a jeweled hair clip for his beloved canine.

“I will make a hair clip next time, because my dog has to wear clips every day — otherwise its fur will block its view,” Jirapolsek told Reuters Television. “It may be decorated with jewels.”

Despite the global economic crisis cutting into people’s expenditures, the Bangkok dog show saw several canine lovers dressing up their pets in elaborate costumes and accessories and participating in events.” [msn]

With a bevy of handbags of every shape, size, color and style available at any given moment, it can be hard to declare a winner in a world of objects meant to carry much more than just belongings. My sister, for example, never leaves home without at least three lip glosses (usually in strikingly similar shades and textures), a pack of gum, and five or six variations of pink-inked pens. My mother is a bit more sensible, with emery boards, a (balanced) checkbook and other mom essentials such as a miniature package of tissues, packets of Splenda and photos of her beloved daughters, all stored neatly in her purse du jour. I, seeking comfort in chaos, can usually be found with two or three notebooks, defunct receipts for my last 100 or so Trader Joe’s purchases and Nars lipstick in Dolce Vita, along with a book, day planner and iPod interwoven through the carefully chosen mess.

And that’s where the tote bag, the gold standard of ‘schlepping’, if you will, comes in. No other accessory will allow you to carry everything but the kitchen sink (but perhaps a faucet or two) in an effortless and pulled together package, thanks mostly in part to its traditionally spacious interior. Since not all totes are created equal, and since bargain hunting is our forte, why not pack one up with The Vogue City?

It would be a crime against accessories to not start with L.L. Bean’s prepster-worthy Patchwork Madras Tote, $19 at LLBean.com.

Yes, that’s right. $19. There are few places where you can find a well-made, durable tote that also comes with a lifetime guarantee for under $20. Their canvas collection of Boat & Tote bags is equally adorable, and with prices starting at just $10.

Felix Rey for Target has us longing for lazy days at the beach with this nautical-inspired PVC tote, $49 at Target.com and at select Target stores. 

The price is slightly higher than we’d like to pay for Target, but keep in mind that Rey’s pieces typically run upwards of $100 plus for smaller clutches. PVC is easily cleanable and works well with the beach, and makes a stylish statement at the supermarket as a reusable grocery bag.

We le sigh for LeSportsac. Their pieces are funky, fun and carry well, whether out for a stroll in the park or out on the town. Their Leigh bag, $128 at LeSportsac.com and Bloomingdales, is no exception.

The price packs a heavy punch; however, all of their pieces are made in the United States and are sweatshop free. Paying a bit more for ethics, plus bypassing the carbon footprint from having an item shipped from a factory overseas, is something that you can’t put a price on.

-Karyn Polewaczyk