What I Want Now: Rachel Leigh Hippie Chic Bracelet

Gilt Groupe has become one of my favorite online shopping destinations because it brings you the best sample sales at the lowest prices. You have to sign up to view these sample sales -- M Missoni, Hunter Boots, Alexander McQueen, Diesel, Peter Som, Alexander Wang, to name a few, but trust me it's well worth your while. Membership is exclusive as it is by referral only, so take this as my gift to you! I've been eyeing this Rachel Leigh Hippie Chic Bracelet, originally priced at $128 and is now only $64. The economic environment is tough, but you won't have to sacrifice your wardrobe.

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

Raquel Allegra - ReFABRICated to Rock It!

The realization of Raquel Allegra, the label, was not conventional. Allegra was not a Fashion Designer by trade, a stylist or a Fashion Buyer. Instead, she was just a typical gal that manned the sales floor of Barneys New York, except for the fact that nearly everyone that walked in and out absolutely adored what she wore. With a little prodding from stylists, buyers and celebutantes, these individuals discovered that Raquel would be the next big hit on retail floors around the world. This is how the Raquel Allegra brand began.



Raquel hand selects vintage T's, deconstructs and hand-dyes them to achieve a casually complex look! I just love the way Raquel's pieces fall and ripple on the feminine figure. Here are a couple of my favorite Raquel Allegra looks: Raquel Allegra Shredded Tank, Raquel Allegra Not-So-Basic Tee. You can find her line for purchase here: Raquel Allegra Online.

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

Ready Made Ensemble - The Edgy Chic Look

The all out rebel, yet discerning look is going to stay for all of 2009. The black-white-gray scale shirts and sweaters, nude tones, chain accessories will take your wardrobe the extra mile. I'm a huge fan of this look and have been making room for it in my closet! Here are a couple of tips that will have you looking edgy in a split second.

Style Tips:

• Blacks Grays & Whites - It don't matter if it's black or white, but choose one because it'll help you go from bleak to sleek.
• Bulky Jewelry - Chains, Studs, Leather are all ways to enhance the look of a rebel.
• Slouchy Handbag - Perhaps you'll want one thing in your wardrobe to stop people from misunderstanding you for a Harley Biker and a simple slouchy handbag will do the trick.
• Blazer or Knitted Sweater - Either would help create the casual rocker girl look.
  

Here is a selection of refined, but equally edgy accessories:

• Forever21 Pyramid Facet Ring available at Forever21 | $3.80.
• Forever21 Pyramid Stud Bracelet Set available at Forever21 | $5.80.
• Hortensia Knit Beret available at OakNYC | $148.00.
• Dannijo Addison Oxidized Cuff available at ShopBop | $194.00.
  

Here is a selection of pieces to complete your wardrobe:

• Anne Valerie Hash Dou Dou Gilet available at OakNYC | $217.00.
• Current Elliott The Legging available at La Garconne | $218.00.
• LNA Zipper Leggings available at ShopBop | $99.00.
• Alexander Wang Baggy Sweater available at ShopBop | $365.00.

Chic and Edgy - by studiopurpura

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

Weekly Editor's Picks - Valentine's Day Favorites

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and it's time to consider what you might want to wear on that special day because there's bound to be at least one special person in your life that you'd want to celebrate it with! I'm never a person to color coordinate with holidays, but I just can't rid of the temptation to do so for Valentine's Day. This habit began during college when my roommates and I decided to celebrate Valentine's Day by wearing red so we could feel dignified celebrating it without a boyfriend. So, whether you have a boyfriend or not this year, dress yourself up shamelessly and celebrate liberty or love!

Here are a few ideas to try out -- Warm Jacket, Flowing Blouse, Lust Worthy Accessories, etc.

Valentine's Day Fervor - by studiopurpura

Here are a few darling pieces that will help complete your Valentine's Day look:

Love Quotes Hand Knotted Fringe Scarf - $88

Archive Jewelry Vintage Printing Block Love Necklace - $132



Mara Hoffman Tube Dress - $319



Giuseppe Zanotti - Footwear - $320



Quail - Womens Peter Dress (Melon) - $78

Steven Shein - Womens Flat Laminate Ring - $30

Geren Ford Ruffle Neck Top - $246



Forever21 Leopard Dress - $14.50

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

Links à la Mode: Weekly IFB Round-Up

Here is the weekly collection of indie fashion sites from Independent Fashion Bloggers feat. Studio Purpura Fashion Blog! Check them out!

• A Few Goody GumDrops - A Few Goody Gumdrops tells you how to own a Rockstar!
• Aysha’s Rabbit Hole - my new creation! still working on it though!
• Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog - brick house reds
• Couture Allure - Couture Allure takes a three day look at the inaugural fashions worn by Jacqueline Kennedy.
• Debutante Clothing - Mad for Vintage at the Golden Globes
• Dogmom’s Dish - Hayden Harnett for Target: The Good, The Bad, The So So
• dramatis personae - Etsy Designers: Mischief, My Dear! Shop Launch & giveaway!
• fashion in my eyes - Blake in Vogue
• fete a fete - Spring denim by Freedom of Choice & interview with founder Nathan Menashe
• Independent Fashion Bloggers - Swag Etiquette: How to approach the ‘freebies’ in blogging.
• Iwanttowearit - Come along as we mine Flickr’s Commons for fashion-related history lessons. Take a trip to Pie Town at the tail end of the Depression.
• Mademoiselle Robot - Vintage inspiration for Spring fashion.
• Nico Assatly - Old School Spring Favorite : American Eagle!
• Retro Chick - Brighten up the dull winter days
• Shopping and Info - Shopping and Info found some great deals on Graydn leather motorcycle jackets, Ella Moss, and Lily Mcneal cashmere this week.
• Solo Lisa y Nada Mas: - Affordable essentials for incorporating colour into a colour-phobic wardrobe
• Studio Purpura - Vicente Villarin - A Fashion Newcomer that Dares to Dream!
• Style Symmetry - Eyeliah loves props in outfit photos, do you?
• THE COVETED - Become Red Lip Royalty: Interview with Lipstick Queen founder Poppy King
• the musings of ondo lady - Meet Stephanie Savage, the queen of teen dramas such as The OC and Gossip.
• two months rent - i’ll take (or make) one of those a diy braided chain necklace

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

MOTHE - Inspiration to Collection

Who knew a techie could so effortlessly transition into the fashion world. May Kosaka, Founder and Fashion Designer for MOTHE earned the respect of colleagues through her design principles -- a collaboration of metaphorical concepts such as city life, natural environments, usage of light, etc. Her collection features avante-garde, forward-thinking, yet wearable pieces.

Flip through the MOTHE Spring Summer 2009 Lookbook! MOTHE will be available in Spring 2009 at select stores -- Turtle in Boston and Marie Eiffel in Shelter Island.

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

Vicente Villarin - Dreams to Reality

Vicente Villarin, a fashion label built upon the dreams of Joanne Cordero Reyes and the legacy of her grandfather has been named as one of the most promising newcomers in the fashion world. Joanne has developed a keen sense of fashion since she was 9 years of age and continues to reinvent and challenge the industry.



Her designs are soft, lush and dreamy. Take a peek at her Spring/Summer 2009 Lookbook!

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

Links à la Mode: Weekly IFB Round-Up

Here is the weekly collection of quirky and fab fashion sites from Independent Fashion Bloggers feat. Studio Purpura Fashion Blog! Check them out!

• 39thandbroadway.com - Why our obsession for fast fashion is causing designers to burn-out and result in less innovative wardrobe choices for you!
• Breakfast at Saks - Style vs. Comfort: What to wear when you’re traveling
• dramatis personae - Mischief-Managed Media: My So-Called Life…
• fashion forestry - Dressing like San Francisco architecture
• fashion in my eyes - For the love of shoes
• fete a fete - Lia Lintern custom fitted luxe coats!
• Hello, Lover… Shoe Daydreams - The famous SATC: The Movie “Something Blue” shoe is now not blue?
• Hollow Star - Spring fashion trends I’m most excited about
• Independent Fashion Bloggers - In the Name of the Blog
• Iwanttowearit - Kids who dress themselves will make you smile. I promise.
• Mademoiselle Robot - Getting summer wardrobe inspiration from Robert Mulligan’s The Man in the Moon.
• Nico Assatly - Accessories Junkie
• Retro Chick - Warm Chunky Knits for Work, Rest & Play
• Shopping and Info - Shopping and Info loves Nicole Richie’s Balenciaga platform black boots.
• Solo Lisa y Nada Mas - How to shop for a purse you’ll love
• Studio Purpura - Weekly Editor’s Picks - Resolution to Ladies Pesky Fashion Issues!
• Style Symmetry - Eyeliah calls skirts over dresses a trend to watch!
• Style Tabloid - Staring off the New Year with work-out resolutions? Stick to your plans with the help of some cute work-out outfits inspired by your favorite celebrities!
• Style With Anna - 20 Weird and Wacky Handbags
• THE COVETED - How to Dress for Cold Weather
• the musings of ondo lady - Ok so we had The Real OC and The Real Housewives of Orange County so make way for The Real Gossip Girls.

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

Myne - I Wish It Were!

A tip from NylonMag led me to this fashion designer newbie, Ashley Ann, Founder & Designer of Myne. Ashley Ann, an original costume designer for several motion pictures has branched off to create her own collection of wearable and sleek pieces for the everyday trendy LA girl. Bold, popping colors and silk translates to a carefree and upbeat look!


Check out her Spring Summer 2009 Collection!

Photo Credit: NylonMag

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

Weekly Style Tip - Your Slip Is Showing!

If you've ever worn a skirt or dress, you've probably heard someone politely tell you, "your slip is showing." Okay, it's far from committing a crime, but it's pretty close to fashion sin. Once you get over the embarrassment, you can move on to find a solution. I've saved you from all the tedious homework by doing a bit of research on the matter.

I came across the glam idea of decorative slips! Your Slip Is Showing has come up with an ingenious way to allow for maximum protection, but ultimate slip exposure by adorning the edges of your slip with gorgeous appliques, ostrich feathers, velvet, rhinestones, etc.



Reinvent your wardrobe by incorporating a couple of stunning undergarments! Prices go for $150-$300 per slip on Your Slip Is Showing Online Store or the ever so lovely 25Park.

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

What I Want Now: Ben Sherman Knitted Haggerty Dress

I've been craving for an outfit sleek and black in nature. Ben Sherman's Knitted Haggerty Dress is a perfectly fashioned black sweater dress that would wear well with a pair of suede or leather knee high boots. I just adore the checkered trim -- it highlights the deep-v back, which is essential in creating the distinction between other black dresses.

Buy this on UrbanOutfitters Online for only $74.99 (originally $108).

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

Links à la Mode - Roundup of Fab Fashion Sites!

Here is a collection of fabulous fashion sites from Independent Fashion Bloggers feat. Studio Purpura Fashion Blog!

• 39thandbroadway.com - How can a half-naked Pamela Anderson and Paris Hilton win you a free gift?
• A Few Goody GumDrops - A Few Goody Gumdrops found something for the girl who has everything!
• a sense sublime - Hair Today. The dilemma of a new hairstyle for a new year.
• All Chic - Loving Scotland - from “The Three Lives of Thomasina” to “Thistle and Broom”
• Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy - Time to get some lovin with Longchamp…
• Breakfast at Saks - Bleached-Out Jeans: a trend you can afford to buy into
• Consume or Consumed - Don’t we all remember events by outfits, these days? Here’s my year in outfit memories:
• Couture Allure - Staying stylish in cold weather
• Debutante Clothing - Debutante Clothing bids Aloha to the late Alfred Shaheen
• Dirty Laundry - Recreating the style of Agyness Deyn posing with The Paddingtons
• Dogmom’s Dish - Thakoon for Target (part two): The Dark Side
• dramatis personae - Dramatis Personae: Etsy Designers– Friends of Plus-Sized Gal!
• eye4style - Designer Ronit Genik talks about her favorite pieces from the Reverie Spring 2009 collection.
• Fashion Birdcage - Liria Pristine, Rebel With A Cause
• fashion fille - Fashion Fille analyzes boyfriend blazers, from who to how!
• fashion in my eyes - Clothes that charm
• Fashion Pulse Daily - Fashion Pulse Daily’s Editor tests mineral powders and eye makeup that cost only — are they just as good as mineral makeup?
• fete a fete - indiDenim custom jeans beta Intellifit Design Studio program:
• In Life and In Fashion - Seven Style Resolutions: What are yours?
• Independent Fashion Bloggers - Design Usability tips your readers will love
• Iole in fashion - Mix ‘n Match
• Iwanttowearit - Fun With Etsy! Take a site seeing tour of Etsy to scope out the emerging, home-grown modeling talent.
• Jewelry Gal - Five Style Tips For Dressing Well On A Budget
• lace & leather - playlist 1.0 fashion inspired music!
• Little Black Book - Aspiring Designer: I’m Your Present and some of her designs from the new “eBay” known as Etsy
• Mademoiselle Robot - An interview with Mister Dreamboat aka Matthew Gray Gubler.
• Market Publique - The Intrigue is Over! Find out when Market Publique is all about, and when it will launch!
• noiretro - Make your own DIY studded hat!
• Or False Glitter - Made up to look like a Dame- MAC’s latest collaboration with OAP drag Dame Edna
• Parkas & Petticoats - A glance at the new Spring line from Rogues Gallery!
• Retro Chick - 5 ways to shake off those New Year Blues
• Shopping and Info - Shopping and Info found some amazing boots by Robert Clergerie and Loeffler Randall on sale for 70% off.
• Solo Lisa y Nada Mas - A night of drunken mischief leads to an infatuation with Goorin Bros. men’s fedoras.
• Studio Purpura - Key Fashion Trends for Spring Summer 2009 that you shouldn’t miss!
• Style Amor - Like Fairies, Unicorns and Pre-Scientology Tom Cruise?
• Style Discovery - Stylish vs Trashy. How would you compare old stars with modern day celebs?
• Style Symmetry - Eyeliah goes GODDESS for The Year of The Rockstar!
• Style With Anna - Permanent Makeup MUST KNOWS
• Stylish Thoughts - What Shopping your closet truly means
• Summershoes - Milk and Sugar Peeling for Baby Smooth Skin
• Swell Vintage - New jewellery from Swell Vintage and hopes for the year ahead!
• Technology Starlet - Fashionably Smart Clothing
• The Bare Skinny - Take a Walk on the Wild Side
• THE COVETED - Relaxing bath tips that will make you beautiful.
• The Life and Times of a Problem Child - Male fashion that challenges the ideals of masculinity by means of Walter Van Beirendonck:
• the musings of ondo lady - Whitney Port made her debut in The City last week, read my review on it.
• THE STYLE HOUSE CHRONICLES - SASSY VS.CLASSY
• The Style PA - Find out what is on The Style PA’s bookshelf.
• Trendology - Unexpected Inspiration: Young Hercules starring a young Ryan Gosling.
• Your source for all things wicked and awesome - Majo Fruithof’s latest jewelery line has one very stylish campaign

XOXO,
Studio Purpura

Johanna Dauphin - Rock n' Roll Designer

Here's an emerging designer with much attitude! Johanna Dauphin was born and raised in Scandinavia (Sweden) surrounded by designers and artists like her parents. The endless community of inspiration and hours of daylight must have given her every reason to create the J.Dauphin accessories line. Toughed-up leather handbags, rugged gold and silver chain-linked bracelets and necklaces are all within the realm of Johanna's designs. Sophisticated AND sexy chic!

Her pieces go for $185 - $495 on La Garconne!

XOXO,

Studio Purpura

Fashion Trends for 2009 - Jewels, Sheer & One-Shouldered Wears

I bid 2008 a bittersweet farewell and a grandiose hello to 2009!

The Spring Summer 2009 Collections showcased during New York Fashion Week last year and left us with a few key trends to look out for in 2009.

• One-Shouldered Dresses & Tops - A Grecian-inspired feel, one-shouldered dresses & tops have appeared in the line-ups of several Spring Summer Collections, namely Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Alessandro Dell'Acqua, Giorgio Armani, etc. The dresses & tops can easily go modern chic or feminine extravagance.
  

• Jewel Encrusted Dresses - Queens of the 21st Century we are! Jewel encrusted dresses have been a runway visual treat! Korto from Project Runway, hit the trend spot on by combining her handmade ethnic jewelry and dresses. Donna Karan, Blumarine, DVF and Emporio Armani had their own interpretations - some with colorful crystals, natural stones and beads.

• See Through & Sheer Fabric - I'd love to attribute the "sheer" trend to one of my favorite newcomers to the fashion scene, Rodarte, but some old-timers might not be too happy about it. The Sheer & see through look is probably the most notable fashion trend for 2009. Several designers included a few key pieces using sheer fabric to create flowing gowns, dainty skirts and more. A few fashion designers loved the idea of going all out on sheer, Jill Stuart, John Galliano, Rodarte, Monique Lhuillier, etc.

Stay tuned for a few fashion tips & picks when bringing runway fashion to real world ensembles!











Photo Credits: nymag

XOXO,
Studio Purpura