Fashion Highlight: Hayden Harnett NYC style purses and cuffs

How cool is it to run a successful fashion business with your partner?  Well maybe you should ask Toni Hacker and Ben Harnett - the duo behind Hayden Harnett, a handbag and accessories company based in Brooklyn.  Toni is the designer-in-chief (with a fab design team) and Ben the business guru.

I've met Toni, Ben, and a few designers at their LES store and at the two sample sales I've been fortunate to attend (psst they have a sale now and you can get 50% off if you get 4 items!)  They started with handbags and leather accessories and have added on scarves as well.  They used to design clothing and I have a few of their beautiful sand washed silk pieces - with leather trim - so chic!  Make clothing again some day please!

The style of the purses and accessories are quite New York to me because they are chic and slightly funky, but totally wearable and fun.  Think of this as perfect for the girl lounging in the Lower East Side or brunching in Brooklyn Heights.

Bags

I can't mention their handbags without mentioning their best selling handbag, the Havana (I gifted this to my future sister-in-law and she loves it!)  It's a great size and squishy enough to hold everything.  It isn't cheap at $525, but they now have the Havana2 version for $398.  It is a pretty versatile though and some colors will go on sale occasionally so look out for them!  Isn't the atlantic patent color lovely?

The Biblio bag is a new favorite.  I'm a sucker for a satchel and love the braided leather hangtag.  At $650 it's nothing to sneeze at but such a great investment.

The Ibiza bag is another classic bag in their collection.  My bestie gifted me this bag when I went to grad school and I loved to convert it from an everyday purse to hold my notebooks to a travel tote (ahh gotta love the roominess!)

Cuffs
Hayden Harnett have created several seasons of edgy and modern cuffs.  They usually entail their trademark luxe leather and awesome studs.  The Hadley cuff in Turks is a prime example of this and I just love the color.

Scarves
This is a newer addition to the Hayden Harnett family.  The brand now makes bespoke scarves (regular ones are a reasonable $65 too!)  I actually thought of this for mother's day before my husband already picked out a gift for my mom.  You can create your own design and have it imprinted on the scarf.  How lovely would it be to wear a painting made by a loved one or imprint an image from a special trip?

Saddle Bags/cross-body bags for Spring (most under $200)

I'm no cowgirl, but I do love a functional bag combined with some aesthetically pleasing touches.  You already know how much I love cross-body bags, and saddle bags are essentially the same types of purses.  They are usually made of a durable material, have a long strap that can be worn cross-body, and have an button closure for easy access to your items.
While the traditional camel color is classic, I love the updated colors and embellishments (the chunky studs on the Proenza Schouler bag make me swoon as does the price on the red hot iguana version!)  You can still get a neutral color, but spring is the time to bring a fun, bright color as well!

What cross body bags are on your list for spring?

1. HOBO International Camilla Cross Body bag, Amazon, $128
2. Making Waves Mint Green purse, Lulus, $48
3. River Island Cross Body bag, ASOS, $35.81
4. Co-Lab by Christopher Kon Carissa Crossbody, Amazon$38
5. Blue Proenza Schouler PS11 Classic Shoulder bag, SSENSE, $1,950
6. Poppy leather whipstitch crossbody, Coach, $178

Fun Finds/FFF: Anicase iPhone cases for endangered species and weddings in Rajasthan

Happy Fun, Free, Friday lovelies!

Fun Finds/Accessories
I know I'm an adult, but it is so hard to resist something cute!

I am a newly converted iPhone lover and love the variety of cases that are available.  Here is another fun  option - Anicase iPhone cases bearing the faces of endangered animals, like pandas.  The coolest thing isn't your phone, but the fact that 10% of proceeds from the phone go towards saving these endangered animals.

Enter code "dailycandy" for an extra 15% off any case!

Which case would you get?

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...celebrating a wedding in Rajasthan with a dear friend.  We are going to do a whirlwind tour of Rajasthan this weekend and also include a visit to the Taj Mahal, Delhi, and whatever else we can fit in!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Savvy vs. Splurge: Maison Martin Margiela Acrylic cuff and Talbot's Tapered cuff

Do you have a cutting edge, modern fashion style?

Err I don't necessarily.  I have ore of a classic, feminine style with a slight modern flair.  But even though I'm not bold in my dress, I like to add edgy accessories.  It was love at first sight when I spotted the Maison Margiela acrylic glass cuff - they tempered it so the material is extremely durable.  I also love the color too - the smokey gray is so versatile!  I'd love it even more if it went on sale, but in the meantime I found an alternative version of this cuff at Talbot's.

Tapered Cuff, Talbot's, $19

MM6 Maison Martin Margiela Acrylic Glass Cuff, OAK NYC, $154

Would you be savvy or splurge?

Fashion and Function: ONA Camera bags and accessories

Are you a photography geek like me (or wannabe geek!)?  I didn't realize how beautifully moments could be captured until I got my DSLR recently.  My new camera has certainly traveled the world and help me tell a story of my trips.  But it has been a journey to find stylish, yet practical camera bags to store my delicate (and pricey!) camera and accessories.

I recently discovered ONA bags and was instantly intrigued.  "Ona" means to feel, believe or experience with the eyes and is at the core of the effects produced by photography and style.  The styles range from messenger bags to backpacks to inserts and I really like the clean, classic styles.   The bags are well-made and contracted of durable materials like vegetable-tanned leather for the Brooklyn bag and wax infused canvas for the Union Street bag; they not only have room not only for a camera and a few accessories,  but have pockets for  your other necessities like a wallet or iPad (a must if you want to transfer pictures from an Eye-fi card!)  I really like the beautiful combination of form and function.

Brooklyn, $309

Roma, $59

Union Street, $279

Do you think nice camera bags are worth the splurge?

{Accessories/jewelry}: Hanging tough with Snakes, skulls, and wolves oh my!

*Remember to enter the spring wardrobe kick-off giveaway from J.E.M. Apparel - you can tweet every day!*

Can one be quintessentially feminine, dress in lace, and wear items emblazoned with skulls, snakes, wolves or daggers?
I am a lover of pink, chiffon, and floral prints but find myself increasingly drawn to these dangerous images in accessories, jewelry, and shoes.  Little by little, my love for all things tough, particularly the Alexander McQueen knuckle box clutch (the 3-D detail is divine and a worthy splurge!) has developed into some serious web stalking.  
These somewhat scary symbols are subtle and sensual when they are transformed into small statement pieces of jewelry or a belt buckle.  So why not pick up an unexpected, dangerous accessory? These items come in a wide range of prices from nOir jewelry with many pieces under $100 to vintage pieces like the 18k gold ruby ring (stunning detail!) - there is something for everyone!

Here are a few favorites.

Alexander McQueen knuckle box clutch, Alexander McQueen, $1,995

Chocolate snake buckle leather belt, Topshop, £35

Alexander McQueen Brass Bird skull ring, Net-a-Porter, £153.19

Slithering snake cuff, Rachel Roy, $42
Alexander McQueen Swarovski crystal and butterfly ring, Zappos, $280

Isabella Wolf Fang Earrings, Wendy Brandes Jewelry, $665

Oxidized silver spine ring, Shaun Leane, £155

Vintage 18k Gold Ruby Enamel Snake Serpent Ring, Portero Luxury, $695
Daggers Hoop earrings by nOir Jewelry

Do you have any dangerous accessories/jewelry?

Fun Finds {Etsy}: Lace embossed leather iPhone case

Who says technology can't be unabashedly feminine and fun?

Leather case for iPhone in cream embossed lace, Etsy - Tovi Corrie, $50

I think I'm totally getting this when I make the iPhone leap.

Accessories that appeal to your inner child (and 20% cashback at Sephora via Bing.com)

Is there an age limit to when you should stop having cute things?  Hearts, fairies, and cartoon characters definitely appeal to my inner child but could something be "too cute"(or at least for ladies my age).
I was intrigued by a few pieces from a few current collections.  You be the judge...

Both of these options are $198 and from the Coach Poppy collection (my favorite place to use a 25% customer discount that is mailed out a few times a year or one of the best basic accessories outlets)

 Then I saw from Dream Sequins that Tokidoki launched a makeup collection at Sephora.

The $18 lip gloss is supposed to have good coverage and I'm intrigued by the silicone brush (less left on the brush and more hygenic).  

 

Then of course adorable characters like these in a snow globe on each tube.

 

I've been on the lookout for liquid eyeliner and the Tokidoki one looks promising.  It's reasonably priced at $16 and is supposed to be relatively long lasting and water resistant.

Deal alert!

Bing.com users - Bing cashback for Sephora is now 20%!  That's pretty amazing and equivalent to Sephora's Friends and Family discount (though you can usually get a little more because you could buy through cashback sites like Bing).   No idea when this will end but act soon.  Yes I did end up getting the Tokidoki products to try out!

Then there is the momma of cute accessories - Ms. Hello Kitty.

She's certainly grown up as well with accessories to match.  I have to admit, I kinda love this garnet ring though at $950, it's not cheap.

Finally a personal and undeniably cute touch for your iPhone at $39.99.  You needed a cover anyway right?

So do any of these appeal to your inner child?  Or are they "too cutesy" for you?

Hairband/headband love

I'll admit it, I'm no Blair Waldorf, but I'm just magnetically drawn to random hairbands.  Is it too girly or trendy?  Whatever, if I like it, I'll rock it because it's a great accessory.

Floral
Delicate dahlias on a satin string, how reminiscent of spring!

Only $9.99 here

A delicate tulle flower on a string of pearls - perfect for some high tea styling!

Only $10.15 here

Embellished
I love the range of embellished options, including pearls (sigh I regret not picking this up before).

$3.80 here

I love the fresh, nymph-like look with crystals, pearls, and leaves.

$37 here

Structured
I saw a few beautiful structured felt pieces from some sellers in Spitalsfields Market in London.  I was bummed that I couldn't find them when I returned but found some great options online.

This satin number is polished and slick in a good way.

$3.80 here - how does Forever 21 do it?!

This vintage, refashioned tie seems kinda perfect for a picnic or day out with the ladies.

$31 here

Statement
Sometimes there is one piece, like this subtle black feather and bead, that makes a statement on your hairband.

$5.80 here

Sequins + bows = girly and fun headband

$16.99 here

Formal
I had Jennifer Behr on my wedding registry.  Yes, she isn't cheap, but I love her simple and chic crystal embellishments.  Her crystal hair bands are pretty extraordinary.  There are occasional discounts and she had a lovely sample sale for Haiti relief a few months ago so keep an eye out!

Here is a less expensive but still lovely grosgrain and crystal option.

  $122 here

You had me at pink Swavoroski crystals...lustworthy indeed

Found here for £136.60

Etsy of course has some divine options.  I discovered Lottie-Da and my lovely blogger buddy, the Thirty Something Bride, is giving away a satin and crystal hair accessory from Lottie-Da's shop.

Isn't it lovely?  Head on over to my  lady's blog for your chance to enter!  It's the last day!

Are there any other hairband/headband designers you love?

Cuff love and blog award love

There's something about cuffs that has entranced me lately...

Hayden Harnett has always had divine cuffs in a modern rocker-chic way.  These are $144 but were on sale for $88.40 2 weeks ago so patience pays off!

Sigh, a billowy tunic, some cute strappy sandals, and this at the ever impressive Forever 21 for $5.80.  I'm totally stalking the store for this.  Bridal bloggers, what about this as a modern accessory with your dress?

Momma and baby studs go together in this leather studded cuff from Linea Pelle, $55

Luxing it up with Alexis Bittar.  I'm trying to decide whether it's worth the price ($227.50 on sale!)  It is pretty divine though and even the name "Rhodium versail crystal" is lovely.

Finally a lusty lust item indeed.  I feel like I may have robbed Coco Chanel's own jewelry box if I had this.

 

$3,300 (le sigh) here

I also got an award from Jbreezy Baby.  It is the I ♥ your Blog award.  Thanks dearest!

 

I'm supposed to link to the person who gave this to me and pass it to 15 of my newest blog friends.  That was hard but they're all awesome!

So I give this to the well deserving and ever fascinating:

1. Party Planner Gal 
2. Drollgirl
3. Sundara Life 
4. Chocolate Lover
5. the Less than Domestic Goddess
6. La Dolce Vita Micaela
7. 99+ forever
8. Oh Missy Me
9. Savvy Gal
10. Leah
11. LenoreNevermore
12. A Diary of Lovely
13. Very Married
14. Bailey and Meister
15. Shop 'n Chomp (my husband is inspired and says he wants to be known as Spend 'n Chomp, sigh)

I'm off again to NYC soon.  Mmm, can't wait to have some pizza and do some shopping!

#Veil and fascinator sale alert - #onelittledove Etsy shop 20% off sale - 9/10 - 9/20

One of my fab NY blogger ladies, One Little Dove, is having a 10 day sale on everything in her Etsy shop (details on her blog and Etsy shope)! That's 20% off her already reasonable prices.

Here are some favorite finds:
Voluminous birdcage veil in custom color - $43.20Full face birdcage veil - $38.40Waldorf Silk flower headband - $25.60Man, the Waldorf headband does feel so Blair from "Gossip Girl" in a good way. Tempting...

Designer Thursday - Judith Leiber

Let's face it - gorgeous clutches are pretty much a requisite for formal events. Judith Leiber's iconic miniaudieres would be a stylish accessory to any woman's wardrobe. The company also proudly proclaims that "almost every First Lady dating back to 1963 has carried these custom-made bags to the U.S. Presidential Inauguration ceremonies."
While impractically tiny, they are also impossibly beautiful with their meticulous designs in swarovski crystals. I can't say that I have any of these deliciously collectible beauties (though someone by Bloomingdale's did offer to sell me a puppy clutch for $300 once, hmmm not sure if that was real of course).

But I think these would be welcome additions to my purse collection.

Rose (I am indeed a girly girl)Mosaic (Ostrich and Austrian crystal, wow)
I do however own a pair of Judith Leiber sandals which will be my wedding shoes!
They go well with all of my outfits for the day. I got them a few years ago at Loehmann's for $75 (from ~$400) as part of my bridesmaid attire for one of my best friend's weddings (we needed silver sandals). They were the most expensive shoes I had bought at that point. But I love the timeless style of them and am so glad I can have more great (and obviously memorable) uses out of them.

Feather flowers and fascinators

I loved Marchesa's flowers made from feathers the moment I saw them in this Town and Country article (image won't post, but do look at the article!).

I've also toyed around with the idea of making a fascinator for my wedding. While I'm still suffering from "I want to do everything and I am inspired by everything", I've decided to make fascinators for my bridal party. Always a Bridesmaid had a great post about her experience (and looks so great!)
I also love wedblog's example and will mostly follow that but incorporate silk tulle and feathers.

For my own insanity, I will probably make silk flowers from the same fabric as the bridesmaid's dresses (a silk cotton blend in 3 colors - red, poppy, and pumpkin). I want to incorporate pheasant feathers, either in a trim (below , $14.99/yard with adhesive at the back)or a hat pad ($7.99)

or just a few pheasant feathers ($4.80/5)

Ostrich.com seems to have the best pricing and decent selection. I'll make a few silk flowers and probably stick a few feathers around them. I guess I will experiment with the feather flower thing too. Hmm, my dress is cream though - silver feathers will clash huh? Should I do black or red feathers to match my bridesmaids then?