Archive for the ‘Love it list’ Category

Psychedelic Chic

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
Authored by: Birdie

I stumbled across the blog this morning to find Ashe’s post about the Tarina Tarantino jewelry at Manhattanite right now.   I literally almost jumped out of my seat.  Tarina’s baubles are totally fun and I immediately headed to Polyvore to create fun outfits to go with them.

Everything that drew my eye had a psycheldelic-rock chic feel when I paired it up - a little glam rock here, some weekend bohemia there…  I mean, hippies are out out, but that tye-dyed bohemian look is still hot when given an ultra-modern twist.

I love the way it looks layered under a blazer or cute bomber jacket, or and it takes on a new flavor with a shredded tee and some killer heels.  Check out these modern spins on this psychedelic favorite featuring  some of Tarina Tarantino’s arm candy.

Manhattanite black

Go for that modern glam-rock look; sleek, with a few bright baubles to catch the eye.  Always the girl on the go, pick up a svelte little day planner to keep your busy life organized, and hide it in an oversized bohemian-fringed bag.  This look has a “saucy artiste” feel, and without being overly pretentious it’s sure to turn heads.

From Manhattanite

A little more playful and flirty, this look packs a little more punch with a punch-colored bag by C.C. Skye.  The leather bomber gives this look a harder edge, but with the sleeves pushed up to a 3/4 length, you’ve got room to adorn yourself.  Pick bright lucite bracelets from Tarina Tarantino and this ultra-chic broken mirror bracelet from C.C. Skye.  A rolled-up boyfriend jean gives this look a weekend feel - for an afternoon of shopping, or an evening of drinks.

I love that tye-dye look paired with the bright colors of Tarina T’s jewelry.  Give a modern edge to your tye-dye to make it wearable in this millennium.

Tarina Tarantino Now at Manhattanite!

Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Authored by: Ashe Mischief

Imagine a girl and her morning routine: a mug of jasmine green tea (for a boost of antioxidants), striped pajamas, sunshine pouring in the windows, a fluffy cat, and browing Shop Manhattanite before work.   She clicks on the New Arrivals link only to see the bedazzled and sparkling babbles and bijouxes of New York’s own Tarina Tarantino shining up at her.

I knew Manhattanite wanted to start carrying Tarina’s line, but I wasn’t sure if that magic would be happening.  So it was a magical surprise to find the site littered with her pieces, including these sparkling and basic lucite bracelets.  I love them for the vibrant colors and stackability– how playful and sexy are they when worn in multiples?  At $38 a pop, it’s easy to spring for an armful, too (available in jet black, crystal, emerald, black diamond, fuschia, and grape. I’m eyeing the black, crystal, and fuschia, myself, though I do love them all).
tarina tarantino, tarina tarantino lucite bracelet, lucite bracelet, plastic bracelet
tarina tarantino, tarina tarantino lucite bracelet, lucite bracelet, plastic bracelet

Her collection of crystal flower earrings are amazing as well– I love imaging the studs on my teenage nieces and the drop earrings adorning my own ears.

tarina tarantino, tarina tarantino crystal flower earrings, crystal flower earrings, purple flower earrings, purple crystal earrings, tarantino crystal earrings

tarina tarantino, tarina tarantino crystal flower earrings, crystal flower earrings, purple flower earrings, purple crystal earrings, tarantino crystal earrings

How about you sparkling Manhattanite-rs? Are you Tarantino fans too? Loving this collaboration?

High Society Tailored Denim: Kasil

Friday, February 12th, 2010
Authored by: Birdie

Let’s preface this post with the fact that my work attire is business casual. With all the choices out there, one might think business casual would be an easy wardrobe to build. This isn’t the case though, when it comes to bottoms - I need something besides the standard skinny jean or legging.  I need something that is polished, not distressed. Business casual invokes the image of something chic, that can be dressed up or down.  It’s what Kasil does best.

Manhattanites has just what I’ve been looking for, but have been unable to find: Kasil.  Kasil’s jeans are gorgeous – what designer, David Lim calls “painting with denim”. The extreme blues make other washes pale in comparison and the cut reflects the company’s “High Society Tailoring” background.

Kasil Hepburn Trouser

Kasil Tribecca Trouser

Kasil Tribecca Trouser

Either of these trousers would be perfect, paired with a long button-down and a well-cut suit vest. It’s a look that easily transitions from work to happy hour when paired with the right shoes, and some great jewelry.

The extreme colors are reflected in Kasil’s other styles – the Olivia Jean is the perfect color in a versatile boot cut, and the Stevie Jean is a sexy dark-wash, slim-fit – more versatile and comfortable than the standard skinny. This is your casual Friday meets smokey-eye, weekend sex-kitten look.

Kasil Stevie

Kasil Stevie

The designer’s style screams vintage inspiration – in color and composition. Nothing is more apparent than the way the line is named: Benetar, Hepburn, Stevie. The high thread count quality and wash techniques are sure to build character every time a pair of Kasil jeans is worn.

Denim is alive! Denim fades, wrinkles and creases over time the more you wear. Random holes and rips that suddenly appear are all natural characteristics of your jeans.

That’s the beauty of denim, each hole, rip, crease, wrinkle, dirt, or paint that has become of your favorite pair is a story that is told within your life.

~ David Lim

When in Rome

Friday, January 29th, 2010
Authored by: Ashe Mischief

While New York is preparing for Fashion Week, in the South we are preparing for Mardi Gras.  Then I realized how women in both cities could use a good survival kit and Manhattanite is here to provide it.

Top 5 picks for baring Fashion Week or Mardi Gras:

1. Back-up shoes.  From romping around the city, to standing in lines, and dancing, no vixen will make it all day in those sky high stilettos.  Bring a pair of Aftersoles or CitySlips roll up ballet flats to swap out.  Both pairs roll up snug and small, so they take up minimal room in your mini-sized bag.  CitySlips also come in a bag that you can throw your stilettos in to after swapping in to your more comfortable shoes.

2. Hair Powder.  Great from going from that late night party to getting up early and those days you don’t have time for a shower!– hope from bed to out the door quickly for conferences or to catch the next parade.  I love Cake hair & body powder– and it’s available for darker hues and lighter hues.

3. Umbrella. Again, we’re going for minimum size in your mini bag, so I’d recommend the Travel Size Umbrella in Perch.  Sweet and stylish, so you won’t get embarrassed by its appearance or by getting caught in a thunderstorm.

4. Notebooks. What girl goes to fashion week with a place to jot down notes, ideas, reactions, and epiphanies about the collections?  What girl goes to Mardi Gras with paper for passing out and collecting the numbers of all the beautiful men (or women!) in the city?  Be chic and stylish with this Andy Warhol In Style Journal or this adorable chocolate stripes mini journal.

5. Headbands.  When done right, an instant stylin’ accessory and easy way to keep your hair out of your face.  Make sure your locks don’t get in the way when you can get that amazing photograph of Anna Wintour or from missing the jump for the best swag on the float.  I love this Head Dress Raw Silk Headband and, of course, this Lauren Moshi one.

What about you, New Yorkers? Anything you consider a must for Fashion Week that would due double duty for your weekend adventures during Carnivale?

New Year’s Resolutions - Keep them with You!

Thursday, January 7th, 2010
Authored by: FashionPulse

It seems that more often than not, people make New Year’s Resolutions and have every intention of keeping them. By February however, they begin to wax and wane and by March, are practically non-existent. Don’t let your New Year’s Resolutions go to the wayside this year! Keep them jotted down, along with their progress and other items in a handy mini journal you can always keep with you.  Their cute, their affordable, and they’ll make sure that your resolutions won’t disappear into the depths of your blackberry or iPhone! My favorite picks?  Check these out:

Aqua Wallflowers Mini Journal, $3.00
picture-2Modern Geometry Mini Journal, $3.00

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Baby It’s Cold Outside! Bundle up with Scarves

Sunday, December 13th, 2009
Authored by: FreshJess

It is freezing cold in Seattle. FREEZING. When the wind chill brings the temps down to 13 degrees, I am doing all I can to bundle up and keep warm on my downtown walks to work or running errands. When I’m not wearing a high-neck peacoat, an absolute necessity is a beautiful scarf I can wrap around my neck.

Scarves are my favorite way to add a splash of color and flair to any outfit, whether it’s to keep cozy in the winter or for some added sass in the summertime. Scarves are also the perfect gift for almost anyone on your holiday shopping list, from your mom or sister to your Secret Santa at work!

Here are a few of my favorites from Manhattanite’s current scarf collection:

Scarf Happy

Shop all scarves at Manhattanite here.

Scarf Happy by freshjess

Happy holidays!

Get Into Some Anlo Denim!

Monday, November 23rd, 2009
Authored by: rebel_chic

anlo

One denim label to look out for on Manhattanite is Anlo, who seems to have got the “skinny” look well  sorted out in their dark and flattering shades. Not only are they super tight and super sexy, for their Fall/Winter 09 collection, they have come up with some very clean-cut and smooth designs equipped with subtle yet outstanding detail.

My favourite has got to be the Ella Studded Jean, as I have an obsession with studs. The studded detailing only covers the top part of the bottom, making it still easy to sit on and also not overwhelming the whole “rock chick” look. The exposed zip on the ankle is another fantastic add-on to this pair and it is definitely my denim choice to get for this season!

The Willa straight leg jean in midnight is just fantastic for nights out, and making black denim look far more interesting than usual. If you are thinking of leather pants, these actually offer an extremely similar look.

The wash on the Ellie jean with buttons is superb as well, i love the unique smoky greyish-blue wash and that you have the option to free up your ankles whenever you like!

I cannot wait to get my hands on a pair, so now I just need to see which wash/cut/style I am actually lacking in my wardrobe and then make the big decision! What do you think?

Look at me, I’m Sandra Dee

Sunday, October 18th, 2009
Authored by: FreshJess

grease

Still searching for that perfect Halloween costume? You don’t have to look much further than Manhattanites to channel a little Sandra Dee!

Over the years, countless girls have found inspiration in one or more of the many aspects of Olivia Newton-John’s iconic Grease character. Whether it was the fresh, white dress, the All-American cheerleader or the life of the party prom dress, Sandy spoke to a piece of you. Hands down, her leather & heels getup for the carnival took the cake for me. The sweetest Pink Lady turned bad girl to get her man. How could Danny Zuko resist that?

Update your Sandra Dee ensemble with today’s trends, from latex high-waisted leggings, ruching & zip details. Not only will you rock this year’s Halloween party, but you can incorporate these pieces into your wardrobe afterwards!

Sandra Dee

Tell me about it, stud!

Sandra Dee by freshjess on Polyvore.com

Included in this set:

In Fluxus

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009
Authored by: Ashe Mischief

I hadn’t heard of Fluxus Clothing until perusing the Manhattanite shop, but I became instantly smitten when I saw their new pieces. All I could think of was how yummy and comfortable the pieces look, in great colors, basic shapes (but with a hint of something extra special) and at such affordable prices…

I love the extra little flips of ruffles on pieces and the UV (purple) color drives me simply crazy. It’s so vibrant, while not being too vibrant or over the top…

saturdaymorning

Saturday Morning Farmer’s Market. With my (now) imaginary golden retriever in one hand, a warm coffee in the other, running errands, picking up fresh & local produce. Casual, comfortable, but still stylish.

saturdaynight

Saturday night, drinks & dancing with the girls. I love that the Fluxus dress is so casual, but can be dressed up easily with lots of accessories and bold colors. The shape is so simple, you could really adorn it and dress it in so many ways…

Ashe Mischief Covets: ruffle tee; hobo cardigan; nomad scarf; rib vest; ruffle turtleneck; Shirley dress.

The Latest Must-Have: Cake Satin Sugar Hair & Body Powder

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009
Authored by: FashionPulse

picture-1picture-2

I have long been a huge advocate of hair powder, and have convincingly made converts of a handful of friends that have a similar, fine hair texture to mine. If you hate washing your hair everyday but loathe when it starts to look a little less than stellar, hair powder can become your new favorite tool to boost volume, absorb oil, and overall increase the lustre of your hair. I’m really into the Cake Satin Sugar Hair & Body Refreshing Powder, $18 since you can use it to refresh your hair as well as on your hot bod!  The multi-tasking product is talc-free and includes calendula and chamomile to smooth while it softens. The 1.7 oz formulat is also purse-size, so when you have to go right from work to an event, you’re all set! It’s available for both lighter hues and darker hues.