Blue Notch Jeans Spring / Summer 2010

'The world of Blue Notch is where uptown quality meets downtown edge, giving the uptown girl instant edge or the downtown guy inconspicuous class'.

Back in October when I attended the spring preview for Blue Notch Jeans, I was unfamiliar with the denim line. My Blue Notch skinny jeans are my favorite pair for this spring, so I would definitely add this brand to the top of my list.

The jeans are made of superfine Japanese denim with 5% stretch. Blue Notch combines modern technology with natural indigo dyes. They are an eco-friendly brand, and one of the only denim houses in the world with their own washing factory (in Korea), using natural springs and a water filtration system.

Celebrities such as Beyoncé and Mischa Barton have been spotted wearing Blue Notch.

These are the most lightweight jeans I have ever owned, and have a comfortable yet super-snug fit (now if only I had long legs!) and accentuate my rear! I am more than happy with these true-to-my-size, size 24 jeans. Blue Notch Jeans have distinct details, including the logo engraved rivets and coated piercings on the coin pocket that add a raw edge look and feel. Everything about these jeans are high quality - stitching, wash, distressed and destructed details.

An average pair of Blue Notch Jeans are $180, and can be found at Henri Bendel, Icon, True Boutique, Barney's Co-op or Atrium.

- Kim Weling

Shoe-Inn Warehouse Sale - Final 2 Days!

If you are looking for shoes or boots, check out the 12th Annual Shoe-Inn Warehouse sale's last two days at Gotham Hall. I go every year, and always end up buying multiple pairs. The sale started on Saturday, but I stopped over after work today. They didn't have as many size 5 boots as I had hoped, but they do re-stock every day. I did see a pair of Roberto Del Carlo leather boots I liked for $199, as well as Michael Kors slouchy suede boots for $99.

They have great designer brands there, including Stuart Weitzman, Juicy Couture, Calvin Klein, Kate Spade, Cole Haan, DVF, Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney and more.

They also have accessories, including $3, $5 and $15 bins full of different headbands. There were cute, jeweled headbands (think Blair Waldorf) in the $15 bin. Unfortunately those headbands are too girly for me. I end up looking like I should be a schoolgirl on Gossip Girl.

There was a $20 bin of knit scarves and various priced designer handbags from Kooba, Botkier, Cettu, Francesco Biasia and more.

I plan on going back on the last day of the sale, when the shoes are usually discounted further. One year it was buy 2 get one free! Word of advice: there are no mirrors, so bring the largest one you have. I made the mistake of forgetting mine at work. A pocket mirror won't do.

All Shoes $19.99 - $99.99

All Booties & Boots $34.99 - $199.99

Ends Wednesday January 6th, open from 9-7

Gotham Hall

1356 Broadway (corner of 36th St. & Broadway)

Accept Amex / Visa /MC

Happy shoe shopping!

- Kim Weling

Steve Madden Spring 2010

Here's a sneak peek of what's in store for Steve Madden Spring 2010, including the Steven by Steve Madden collection. My favorites include the Steven open toe, patent leather and canvas ankle boots with a low heel. They look very comfortable for walking. If you are in the market for 4 or 5-inch heels, there are numerous sandals, pumps and ankle boots to choose from. Most of my shoes are basic in color, but since one of my favorite colors is cobalt blue, the suede ruffled pumps and ankle boots catch my eye, and the ruffles add a feminine twist.

- Kim Weling

'Paty' by Steven by Steve Madden

'Toppazz' by Steve Madden (right, $109.95)

'Tuscaan' by Steve Madden (right)

'Mainst' by Steve Madden ($109.95)

MCM New York Spring / Summer 2010

Back in October I attended the MCM New York Spring/Summer 2010 Preview at the Gramercy Park Hotel Roof Club, the perfect spot for some natural lighting. Spring/Summer 2010 marks MCM New York's second season, designed by Joy Gryson, in collaboration with the MCM Design Team. The collection is the epitome of modern luxury, building upon the energy of New York City and the brand's elegance.

The collection is inspired by the beauty of Paradise and the elegant elements of nature, using decadent fabrics of Karung watersnake, python and lambskin.

Notte now includes the chic Fashion Tote and shoulder bag. Notte bags are made with soft lambskin leather in black, cuoio, metallic gold, metallic python gold and grey. The bags are finished with sophisticated pale gold hardware and accented with embossed leather. The Fashion Tote has a modern circular handle and is offered in grainy lambskin with a glittery metallic finish or opulent textured leather.

Sportivo welcomes the newest shapes for spring such as the clutch and Bowler. Other shapes include the satchel, hobo, shopper and tote. The collection is made of goat leather and calf leather trim. Available in black, pale blue, pale violet, white with grey accent and gunmetal. Prices range from $595 - $1295, and exotic skins $2350.

Annodare, meaning 'knot' in Italian, is made of lightweight lambskin with elegant silver chain detail, metal oval ring and embossed MCM logo attached to the center knot. Notice the knotting technique and tie dye effect on the leather. The Annodare silhouettes include the small cross hobo, large hobo and tote in shades of black, royal blue, light grey and chalk/black.

Pop Python is the epitome of chic lavishness in polished python, with decorative hardware and chain shoulder strap. Available in Beige, black, green, lavender and red.

The Flower Breeze collection incorporates the 'classic motif of the cognac Visetos with brightly colored floral prints', with contemporary colorful handles and interior,adding a unique twist. This collection includes a clutch, tote, shopper and weekend travel bag.

Amazoneness is crafted from snake skin embossed leather. The Hobo and the Boston shapes feature refined gold chain leather woven straps.

The classic Alda collection includes new colors - white, yellow, lilac, scarlet red and black. Details include the pale gold hardware and chain strap. The Alda Tambourine bag (available in 5 colors) is a modern update to MCM's classic round-shaped shoulder bag, reminiscent of the 80s looks of the catwalk.

Also featured for spring are Paradise, City Chic and Semi Fashion Visetos Men's collections.

The MCM New York collection is sold exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue stores nationwide and the MCM Plaza Boutique.

- Kim Weling

Ann Taylor LOFT Spring 2010

Chiffon petal cardigan

Metallic ruffle trench

Ruched leather jacket

Voile tie front tank with floral v-neck cardigan

I've been meaning to catch up on all the spring previews I've attended, especially since spring is just around the corner. For Ann Taylor LOFT Spring 2010, jewelry is just as big of a statement as the clothes. Belts are also a must, especially scarves worn as belts. There's a lot of layering involved, such as a ruffled button front shirt under a shirtdress or a ruffle pullover under a textured cardigan and anorak, with both looks accessorized with a belt and scarf.

The collection has a neutral palette, mixed in with navy, white, grey and floral and dot prints, infused with feminine accents such as ruffles, chiffon petals, rosettes and appliqué on dresses, cardigan and tanks. Two of my favorite pieces include the chiffon petal cardigan (inexpensive at $59.50), metallic ruffle trench ($128) and ruched leather jacket ($298).

The boyfriend jeans and shorts are still popular for spring, but I really like the look of the rolled up rinse-wash skinny jeans paired with a longer, layered silhouette on top.

With necklaces being a dominating accessory, it's may not be enough to just wear one. You can double up and layer together, such as the teardrop and open link necklaces. With several other necklaces to choose from - briolette, chain, coral stone and gold flower and chain ribbon, they can really make an impact on your completed look.

- Kim Weling

Ann Taylor Spring 2010

Silk fringe jacket

Ruffle flounce blouse

Petal cardigans

These petal sandals are my favorite!

The exotic tote $498 (top)
Exotic perfect clutch $138 (middle)

Flower clutch $158 (bottom)

Pearl bow necklace $58 (top)

Pearl bow chain link necklace $38 (bottom)

Pavé disk necklace, $198 (center)

Pavé round disk necklace (right)

Pavé ring $48 / Large bling ring $48
Pavé disk bracelet $78 (bottom left)

Pyramid necklace, $68 (left and center)

Sunburst necklace, $128 (right)

Happy New Year! Now that we are in 2010, it's time to get a head start on updating your spring wardrobe. Ann Taylor Spring 2010 will start hitting stores in February, so be prepared - make a list of what you want! Expect to see soft, fluid feminine silhouettes in dusty pale neutrals and shades of corals and pinks, as well as a floral-inspired palette and watercolor prints. A sea of oceanic blues, black and white are inspired by picturesque shores of Monaco, Cannes and St. Tropez circa 1920.

I spotted a lot of favorites during the spring preview - deconstructed silk trench ($228), which looks great when paired with a short sheath dress, wool crepe shawl collar jacket ($228) and wool crepe pencil skirt ($108), perfect for the office and silk fringe jacket ($298), which can be paired with skirts, dresses, black pants or dark jeans.

It's very easy to update a classic look with a little feminine edge. Wear black pants with ruffle flounce blouses ($88), accordion pleated tops ($88), thousand petal ($88) and silk habotai starburst ($68) shells to soften the look.

Let's not forget the jewelry. Ann Taylor has come up with several beautiful, sparkly pieces including multi-strand and double strand chain necklaces. If you like pearls, aim for modern sophistication with the pearl bow and ribbon necklaces and bracelets.

One can never have enough scarves. It's a very easy way to add color to a neutral look. The skinny ruffle ($38) and metallic sheer luxe and sheer luxe ($48) scarves come in multiple colors, so I'm sure you'll find one you love.

- Kim Weling