YS Look of the Week

Photo Credit: via realstylenetwork.com

Leighton Meester in a printed black and white Mary Katrantzou dress. 

Decor Inspiration: Home Library

Photo Credit: via Lonny; and Vogue via flickr.com

Beautiful home libraries prove that intelligence and style are not mutually exclusive. 

Marshall's Giveaway

Hi friends! Today we're kicking off another giveaway - you can win a $100 gift card to Marshalls!

A while back, Marshall's asked me and other Lucky Style Collective bloggers to shop for a head-to-toe look with $100 Marshalls gift card inspired by one of the following fall trends: color, prints, ladylike with an edge. 

The look I created is featured above - a Cynthia Rowley crossbody bag in bright blue, a simple and sweet top with faux lace detail, and black skinny pants. For me, it's all about simple clothes paired with a colorful bag!

Marshall's asked me to share the secret behind Marshalls' ability to score score the latest, on-trend designer items at unbelievable prices. What’s the secret? The secret is in their buyers – they are the ultimate treasure hunters and are constantly traveling around the world to find deals on the hottest items so you’ll find amazing news pieces in stores each week! 

HOW TO ENTER to win the $100 gift card to Marshalls? Leave a comment below about: your favorite color to wear this fall or the best item you've purchased at Marshall's. 

Well Suited

Photo Credit: Maud Le Fort by Zoltan Tombor for Stylist Magazine via attheloft and 1.bp.blogspot.com

Stylish women everywhere are embracing the pantsuit this Fall - it's apparent on the street and on the red carpet (side note: did you see Emma Roberts wearing a fabulous Nanette Lepore pantsuit on the red carpet?)

The editorial pictured above - photographed by Zoltan Tombor for Stylist Magazine, featuring model Maud Le Fort (October 2012) is romantic, elegant, and very Parisienne. And, how could you pick between the luxe winter white pantsuit with fur sleeves or the bold printed pantsuit? Both make a major style statement. See more images from the editorial here. We love a good pantsuit! 

PS, have you heard about Lot 18, a new website offering high-quality, hard-to-find wines at attractive prices? Similar concept to Gilt.com and other flash sale sites, but just for wine!

{Disclosure: if you accept my invitation to join Lot 18, I'll receive a $25 credit to my account after your first order ships. see Lot 18's policies for more info}

Spotlight on: Libby Lane

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Libby Lane; via libbylane.com

Designer Libby Lane (pictured above) crafts beautiful leather handbags and accessories. Her eponymous line of minimalist bags are hand-made using locally sourced Texas leather. 

The talented designer says, "I have always been attracted to stylish simplicity. I'm drawn towards a measured elegance in shape and line... [the] leather is illuminated by simple design." 

P Latigo Strap Bag in Cream ($250; pictured above) is an ultra-chic, versatile clutch (pair with a fancy dress or a casual jeans/tee look). 

For those in search of an everyday bag, F Tote in Whiskey ($610; pictured at left) fits the bill with its contemporary style, of-the-moment color and shape. Lane explains, "The F Tote is a large bag with a simple but elegant shape. I wanted to design classic staple pieces with a touch of equestrian design elements."

Libby Lane declares that "the pieces in [the] line are easy to wear with a variety of outfits in any season." She's definitely right about that! Easy, wearable, elegant leather pieces.

YS Look of the Week

Photo Credit: via vogue.com

Supermodel Karolina Kurova wore Cushnie et Ochs top & skirt, topped off with Monika Chiang heels in a magnificent blue color, at the The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Cocktail in New York. 

Runway to Room

As it grows colder & colder outdoors, my mind always turns to cozy chunky knits. What better way to warm up for fall? I love being wrapped in a chunky knitted scarf on a crisp day and I love the texture and warmth that knitted pieces can bring into any interior.

Brooke Farm General Store; Indulgy

Layers of Meaning; 18 Karat

Elle Canada; Katy Elliott

Where it be a patterned sweater, a pretty little pouf, or a luxurious throw, adding chunky cable knit to your space and wardrobe this fall will be sure to to keep you feeling cozy!

Visit Nancy's beautiful blog, Marcus Design, for more design inspiration. And, remember to look for her fashion meets decor column "Runway to Room" here on Young Sophisticates!

Couture Column: Chloé Spring '13

Hello Darlings! I am delighted to be here today to share one of my favorite collections from the Paris Spring runways, Chloé Spring 2013 Ready-to-Wear. 

The designs truly combined overtly feminine yet modern elements and were grounded in a delicious, soft color palette. I could not get enough of the sweet lace, white eyelet, and micro pleats, which were perfectly juxtaposed with chic, crisp tailoring. Let’s be clear … I want it all!

Check out Caitlin's blog, Daily Cup of Couture, for more couture inspiration, glamorous fashion & decor, and more. And, remember to look for her Couture Column here on Young Sophisticates!

Spotlight on: Pour Porter

Photo Credit: via shoppourporter.com

Online boutique Pour Porter allows stylish shoppers to discover lesser-known designers and to find unique objects and cool clothing and accessories. 

Jake Vinson handmade mug (pictured above) adds rustic charm with a modern twist to your coffee table. 

In terms of clothing/accessories, Milena Silvano shawl in coral/blush conveys a relaxed sense of elegance. The jewelry from the line Nallik is absolutely beautiful - Nallik Serpentine pendant (pictured below) has such an understated cool vibe.

YS Look of the Week

Photo Credit: via Fashionistas Guide

Alexa Chung in Chanel. 

Get the Look: Beaded Trench

Photo Credit: via baublesforbreakfast.com

Miroslava Duma's beaded Burberry trench is worthy of recognition. The Russian style star's wardrobe has been praised throughout the blogosophere; the embellished trench that she wore at London Fashion Week (pictured above) is out of control. So chic!

Get the look with this Burberry trench with an embellished collar. It's the perfect piece of outerwear to add to your fall/winter wardrobe. 

Inspired Spaces

Photo Credit: via elledecor.com

How spectacular is Ivanka Trump's New York apartment? The home is contemporary cool mixed with sleek elegance - but still accessible. See more images at Elle Decor here. 

Anthem Wares

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Anthem Wares

There's a new e-commerce site called Anthem Wares offering one-of-a-kind products from designers and artisan makers around the globe. 

I recently discovered this beautifully curated online boutique, full of chic and interesting accessories - distinctive sunglasses, bags, scarves, and more. 


Anthem Wares gave us a little sneak peek at what's coming up on the site, including Judith Benita enamel jewelry (pictured above). I can't wait to see more! 

Seth Sobek cobalt blue pony tote, exclusive to Anthem Wares, is absolutely stunning - a must-have statement bag for fall! 

Anthem Wares carries the  jewelry line Iosselliani: the line's Sage and Orange earrings (pictured below) are so glamorous. See the entire line on Anthem Wares here. 

I think you will LOVE Iosselliani, in particular! The uncommon mix of materials - including Swarovski crystals, 18 carat gold and semi-precious stones - makes for stand out pieces of jewelry. 

Disclosure: Anthem Wares gave me a gift card, which I used on this Jasmine candle & that laundry bag, both by Izola. Thank you, Anthem Wares! {All opinions expressed are my own.}

YS Look of the Week: Gwyneth Paltrow

Photo Credit: via becauseIamfabulous.com

Style icon Gwyneth Paltrow wore a white Wes Gordon knit top and a wool Misha Nonoo skirt, accessorized by orange Sergio Rossi pumps and a small black Chanel bag at a recent event. 

Learn more about up-and-coming designers Wes Gordon and Misha Nonoo by reading their exclusive interviews with YS - just click on the links above to see more!!

Look for Less: Leopard Pillows

Hey Sophisticates! It's Marche' from #eyecandy here with another Look for Less Column! It seems that every season, leopard is the one of the hottest prints. Just like with fashion, leopard can be fashionable in your home. If its on a couple throw pillows (like the ones pictured above) or a throw, leopard brings just the right amount of fun to a room. 

Photo Credit: via Little Green Notebook; via Arianna Belle Shop

The key to nailing a high end look with leopard pillows is to find a print that looks as realistic as possible. Also, a nice fabric makes all the difference. The velvet leopard pillow pictured above from Arianna Belle Shop is gorgeous! I love velvet pillows. Combine that with the amazing print and this pillow is perfect. The leopard print linen pillow is a great option for those who want a lighter fabric. 

Once you have your new leopard pillows. You'll have the trendiest room yet! 

Get more of Marche's tips on interior design, fashion and more at her fabulous blog,#eyecandy. And, remember to look for her interior design column here on Young Sophisticates!

5 Questions with: Marissa Webb

Photo Credit: Peter Ash Lee; Joe Schildhorn / Billy Farrell Agency

Marissa Webb, the former Head of Womenswear and Apparel Design at J. Crew, launched her own eponymous line last month during New York Fashion Week. 

In our exclusive interview, the talented designer talks about the inaugural Marissa Webb collection (Spring 2013), her design aesthetic and what's next for her line. 

What was the inspiration behind the Spring 2013 collection?

MARISSA WEBB: It was my first collection so it was important to me to set the tone for the brand and showcase the overall feel and style that the Marissa Webb line embodies.  I’m drawn to mixing contrasting elements such as structured leather with gauzy silk and whimsical, feminine with masculine.  The contrast of architecture and nature is more of a theme for the label then just the inspiration for Spring '13.

Your first collection featured black leather in quite a few looks to great effect. How does the Marissa Webb woman wear leather?

MW: The Marissa Webb woman wears leather anyway that makes her feel confident and comfortable. I personally wear leather all year round and like to balance it with something soft, something that “contradicts” but at the same time compliments the harder edge of leather.  

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

MW: My design aesthetic is playing with opposing elements and adding a little twist to something that otherwise might be considered “ordinary”. For example, using a “feminine” fabric and putting it into a jacket with moto details, or using leather to create a tutu skirt.

Tell us about those amazing shoes we saw in your spring 2013 collection? How can we get our hands on a pair of those stunners?

MW: That’s a very nice compliment! Especially since they were designed at the last minute, once I realized we were heading to [Mercedes Benz] fashion week! What were the models going to stand in? My favorite part about them is our signature black sole with the ivory stripe. It makes a statement while you’re walking away. [The shoes] will be available on our e-commerce website for spring.

What’s next for your line?

MW: It’s just the beginning and so much to accomplish and so much to learn. I’m taking it one day at a time. I’m now focusing on our next season and looking forward to the day I see someone in a Marissa Webb piece.  Once that happens, I think it will all feel much more real to me. 

Trend Report: Asymmetrical Wrap Skirt

Photo Credit: via whowhatwear blog; via farfetch.com

There's something very appealing about an asymmetrical wrap skirt -- it reads edgy and of-the-moment for fall. The look is probably characterized more accurately as a "micro-trend" - regardless, this look is subtle, interesting and definitely chic. 

Get the look with either of these designer options: Chloe wrap skirt and Sharon Wauchob asymmetrical skirt in black (pictured below). 

Decor Inspiration

Hi Sophisticates! Viv here with another installment of Decor Inspiration. Today we're traveling to Europe, Spain to be exact, to take a tour of Carolina Herrera Baez's apartment in Madrid. 

Photo Credit: images

Carolina Herrera Baez is the daughter of a famous designer and marquis, and married to a retired Spanish bullfighter. Pretty neat, huh? Well, her humble abode in Madrid has a lot of color, funk, and chic personality. The apartment is located on the fifth floor of their favorite 19th century building in Madrid and has views of the botanical gardens and Retiro Park (the Central Park of Madrid).

Viv shares her thoughts on fashion, style, design and food on her beautiful blog, Fashion Truffles. And, remember to look for her Decor Inspiration column here on Young Sophisticates.