Guest Editor Chelsea – Loving Deux Lux Spring Bags

This Spring season I am obsessed with handbag designer Deux Lux. I have re-ordered them numerous times for my Los Angeles boutique and am stopped daily on the street when I wear my own. Inspired by art, architecture, movies, vintage jewelry, the runways, and loads of color, Deux Lux strives to bring grace and whimsy to every collection in a way that is accessible to all women.

Designed by mother-daughter du0 Fati Mahdavi and Sara Naghedi, Deux Lux bags are glamorous, edgy, flirty, and ethical (by using animal-friendly synthetics in their designs). These bags are the perfect gift (and price) for Mother’s Day, sure to please every taste and style.

I’ve curated a selection of my favorite pieces:

 

(Clockwise from top left: Memo Clutch in Mango $80.00, Greenwich Clutch in Indigo $90.00, Memo Tote in Jade $130.00, Brrome Clutch in Pink $115.00, Bizcayne Tote in Silver $115.00 and Laurel Canyon Messenger Bag $115.00)

Available at Chelsea Brentwood Boutique 11704 Barrington Court, Los Angeles, Ca 90049 (310)471-4770 www.chelseabrentwood.com

Designer Profile – Mother Of Pearl

Mother of Pearl  is a collaboration among artists in the truest sense of the word. Every season designer Maia Norman chooses a different acclaimed artist to develop prints and colorways for her eclectic designs.

This season Norman teamed up with artist Francesco Simeti’s  to create a series of uniquely patterned designs. Known for his site specific installations using wallpapers, sculptures and 3d collage, Francesco Simeti’s multi disciplinary approach presents aesthetically enchanting scenes which on closer inspection point to a darker subtext. The artworks chosen from Simetti’s body of work include Decoy (2009), Hillside (2011), Pastiche (2009) and Volatali (2008).

To add a touch of urban chic to your wardrobe, turn to the ultra cool London label for easy-to-wear silhouettes with striking creative appeal. Celebrate the artist within us all.

Clockwise from top left: Mother of Pearl Decoy Flowers Midi Dress $798.00 www.mywardrobe.com,Mother Of pearl Umiko floral-print silk Crepe de Chine Top $690.00 www.netaporer.com, Mother of Pearl Hillside Print Pleat Waist Top $390.00 www.mywardrobe.com, Mother of Pearl Spirea Printed Silk Crepe de Chine Skirt $525.00 www.netaporter.com.

Guest Editor Chelsea – Loving Sjobeck

 

60 years after his family stepped foot on the Malibu sand, founder Garrett, taking inspiration from his great grandmother, wanted to showcase his Malibu heritage through clothing design.  His grandmother, a fashionista clad in high heels and accustomed to a socialite lifestyle, surrounded by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Clark Gable, founded the Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. Getting his start by designing uniforms for the ranch employees, Garrett found he could create “wearable art.” While co-founder Jesse Ray, originally on the track to law school, found his call to fashion when he learned the process behind production. Although he describes himself as a “bookworm,” his excitement in discovering that fashion was a new form of expression was vital to the brand’s success.

Sjobeck is a collaborative expression of Garrett and Jesse Ray’s love of both the arts and the entrepreneurial spirit. Their innovative designs never follow the trends and stand on their own through their unique screen-printing techniques and their willingness to push the envelope. The line works however, because there truly is a piece in the collection for everyone. As a buyer looking at the line for my store I found myself intrigued and in awe of many of the designs that were too risky for my Brentwood clientele…like art, many of the designs either speak to you or do not. At the end of the day, I respect smaller lines (like Sjobeck) that have solid vision and values and can stand on their own next to the DVF’s and Joie’s of the world.

Clockwise from top left: Side Button Sweater $235, BF Tee $125, Collared Sweater $245, Cold Shoulder $198, Boatneck Pullover $238 and Shell Cardigan $298.

Sjobeck is available at Chelsea Brentwood 11704 Barrington Court, Los Angeles, CA 90049 (310)71-4770 www.chelseabrentwood.com.

Isabel Marant’s First West Coast Store Opens On Melrose

Isabel Marant opens her first West Coast store located on the prestigious Melrose Place in Los Angeles, and it is beautiful!  The French designer enlisted architect Franklin Azzi to design the new boutique, with artwork created by fellow French artist Arnold Goron. “It’s about atmosphere,” Marant says of the oasis-like exterior and minimalist interior which exudes an ultra cool hip vibe (no surprise there) and peaceful, serene feeling as well.

 Marant fell in lovw with LA when the ash cloud fiasco of 2010 grounded her flight from NYC to Paris,Allowing her to jet away to LA for a mini vacation. “I fell totally in love with the city, with the landscape and the nature that is in the middle of the city,” she said. “It was very surprising for me because I was not imagining that it was such a green city. Then, I thought I really wanted to have a shop there.”

Marant is already head over heels in love with the store (Melrose Place over chosen over Rodeo and Robertson because the leafy stretch felt more private), and has bequeathed, “I think it will be my favorite shop in the world,” she goes on to rave, “I would almost like to keep it as a house for myself.” How do you say slumber party in french?!!

Check out the store for yourself Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 6pm. 8454 Melrose Place, Los Angeles, California 90069  323) 651-1493. If you don’t live near Los Angeles you can check out Isabel Marant’s Spring 2013 collection here. Below are some of my favorite fall, resort and Etoile pieces.

Clockwise from top left: Stamped Jacket $1025.00 www.barneys.com, Ellos Burnout Print Dress $920.00 on sale for $644.00 www.mytheresa.com, enny Brushed-Suede Ankle Boots $625.00 www.netaporter.com, Etoile Ariana Heather Stripe jacket $498.00 www.forwardforward.com, Embroidered Crepe Shirt $965.00 on sale for $482.00 www.luisaviaroma.com, Etoile Kiliann Cardigan $570.00 www.matchesfashion.com.

Brian Atwood’s Fab New Jewelry Collection

The man who is the master of the stiletto, Brian Atwood, and whose shoes have a cult-fan following  — everyone from celebs to editors to you and me – has recently launched a capsule jewelry collection. Besides the man’s fab, extremely successful shoe line, he launched his first line of handbags in March which no surprise to anyone was a huge hit.

The sleek and sexy collection, which consists of 6 styles available in both hematite plated brass and 10K gold-plated, includes wrap bracelets, lustrous choker necklaces, and cuffs with an architectural slant. Velvet ties (on cuffs and wrap bracelets) are a fresh touch and a luxurious addition to a trend that is at the height of its popularity.

Not straying to far from his roots, Brian spoke with elle.com and explained,”I was inspired by the sexy shape of a stiletto heel–the same shape that is on the façade of my new store on Madison Avenue,” he told ELLE.com. “It’s an iconic shape that I think makes the jewelry powerful yet still feminine.”

The collection ($175–$495) is available now at Brian Atwood’s Madison Avenue store in NYC and on brianatwood.com.

Guest Editor Chelsea: Jewelry Designer Rachel Miriam for Holiday Sparkle

The  Holiday Season is just around the corner…my favorite time of year. It is a time to celebrate with good friends and family while getting dolled up for parties and festivities. The trends in clothing and jewelry for this Holiday 2012 season will be all about sparkle and timeless elegance.

My favorite go-to jewelry designer for endless sparkle is Rachel Miriam — a luxury jewelry line featuring handmade one of a kind creations. Rachel Miriam Jewelry is sparkly, playful, sophisticated and elegant. Whether you crave an everyday favorite or a one of a kind creation, her jewelry will make you feel special.

Feeling special and emphasizing personality through jewelry is the foundation of Rachel Miriam. Traveling to different cities and countries in search of beautiful materials is her mission.

Here are my favorite pieces from the 2012 Rachel Miriam Holiday Collection:

(Clockwise from to left: Sparkle Multi Strand Necklace $298.00, Wrap Bracelet/Necklace $225.00, Faceted Gold Bezeled Stone Bracelet $105.00, Millions of Crystals Necklace$698.00, Botswana Agate Necklace $498.00 and Faceted Onyx, Smokey Quartz & Pyrite Bezeled Stone Bracelet $105.00.)

For more information or to order call Chelsea Brentwood(310)471-4770.

Designer Report – French Label Maje

We partake in french delicacies every day; croissants, brie cheese and baguettes, just to name a few. I have a new name to add to that list – chic Parisian label Maje. Moroccan-born designer Judith Milgrom launched Maje in 2004, which quickly caught the attention of french style icons Marion Cotillard and Vanessa Paradis, and recently opened her third boutique in the United States (all in New York). It’s the success story of a “fashion child” who was introduced to the art of crafting garments at a very early age (by her mother and grandmother), and who quickly became fascinated by fabrics, embroideries and lace.

No matter what your style sensibilities are, you’ll find something to covet among their sharply tailored pieces with a timeless and sophisticated appeal. Softly draped silk dresses and classic cover-ups in wool and leather are the impressive and stylish signature pieces of this uber chic (and fairly reasonable priced) collections. I am loving the super sexy, super skinny scotch white jeans, and vibrant ombrie vermillon sweater!!

For fall, the line is full of simple silhouettes with a feminine twist, like a black dress sporting a flouncy hem, and crisp outerwear embellished with cool details, such as a printed blazer with leather lapels. In other words, every piece is perfectly suited for the season, which is why Who What Wear is giving you a chance to enter to win a $5000 shopping spree to Maje! And, if you invite a friend, you’ll score an additional entry into the contest. Good luck!

Clockwise from top left: Maje Scotch White Jeans $285.00 www.maje.com, Maje Suzanne Platine Top $485.00www.maje.com, Maje Roupi Geranium Skirt $250.00 www.maje.com, , Maje Rame Ecru Top $315.00 www.maje.com, Maje Romaine Black Dress $425.00 www.maje.com, Maje Panpibi Grey Sweater $425.00 www.maje.com, Maje Ombrie Vermillon Sweater $320.00 www.maje.com, Palerme Navy Dress $285.00 www.maje.com.

Guest Editor Chelsea: ThomasKelly Active Wear

 

Thomas Kelly is a new line of active wear that takes the boredom out of basic stretch pants and the all too familiar ”lululemon uniform”. Consisting of fashion-forward prints and designs that are refreshing and sophisticated, Thomas Kelly proves that work-out wear can be a fashion statement. The designers have incorporated bold prints, bright colors and offer classic designs to be worn anytime, not just during a workout.

ThomasKelly looks are stylish and can transition seamlessly no matter what the occasion. Their motto is “to take preppy from exercise to errands”. The high quality active wear line is comfortable, flattering, with a classic style consisting of cheery patterns like stripes and plaids. Who says work-out wear has to be black and boring?

(Clockwise from top left: Boyfriend Bolero Cardigan $108.00, Ladera Leggings $92.00, Santa Rosa Stripes $64.00 and Malaga Mix Top $64.00, available at www.shopthomaskelly.com).

If you’re in the Los Angeles area this weekend, there will be a ThomasKelly trunk show at Chelsea Brentwood (11704 Barrington Court, LA, CA 90049 (310)471-4770). www.chelseabrentwood.com). 

ICB Designed By Prabal Gurung Relaunches In The States This Fall

The Japanese label ICB, once designed by Michael Kors and Victor & Rolf, stopped distribution in the West in 2002, but it will be back on these shores in time for Fall 2012. Owning company Onward Kashiyama has announced that Prabal Gurung – who was awarded the CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear in 2012 -  will helm the relaunch of the collection in U.S. and Europe.

The girl who inspired Gurung’s ICB collection is intelligent, beautiful, witty and above all appreciates humor. His designs mark a new ICB collection with a fresh image, full of electric prints, vibrant colors and effortlessly cool tailored pieces all with a feminine edge for today’s modern woman.

 In an interview with Style.com, Prabal states, “I did not want to compromise on the quality, this is a collection of affordable luxury”, and viewed it as a stepping stone of sorts to his collection. There are a lot of firsts associated with ICB’s relaunch; it is the first time Gurung has designed a collection not under his own name, the first time he skipped the runway and the first time four models have presented all 32 looks. For his debut of ICB (International Concept Brand) Prabal showed the Fall 2012 collection via a groundbreaking digital format for the ultimate on-line experience. Besides wanting to be forward and on the forefront of a new way of viewing a fashion show he wanted to make things easier for editors, buyers and retailers who have supported him throughout his career.

What’s easy is how fast and hard you’ll fall for this collection.

Clockwise from top left: Kaleidoscope Print Silk Shirt $475.00, Wool Melton Cutaway Jacket $595.00, Cable Knit Sweater $395.00, Chiffon And lace Long Dress $565.00, Double Stretch Sculpted Skirt $345.00, Brush Stroke Print Pleat Dress $585.00, Wool Twill Suit Jacket $495.00, Double Stretch Skinny Pant $285.00. All available @icbnyc.com.

Guest Editor Chelsea: Tart’s New Fall Collection

 

Tart has infused a boho-rocker vibe into their new Fall 2012 collection and I am loving everything about it. Their coveted signature draped modal dresses ignited with rich late-summer & fall colors in Tart’s trademark prints. Inspired by the new wave of music festivals, Tart also introduced brand new Coachella styled wraps and jackets.

Tart’s new Isadora Dress is amazingly flattering with strategic folds that wrap your figure while side-seam ruching perfectly conforms to your shape. Pair the Isadora dress with the Tama Wrap for an extra layer and pop of fun print and color. So boho chic!

The Mae Maxi dress is a new dress style for Tart and has already been spotted on celebs like super fashionista Heidi Klum. The built-in tube dress is layered with draping and makes any woman feel sexy and fun. Wear it with the 3/4 sleeve blazer at work and with an extra dose of accessories for evening cocktails!

Clockwise from top left: Tart Mae Maxi $182.00, Tart Isadora Dress $142.00, Tart Tama Wrap $145.00, Tart 3/4 Sleeve Blazer $185.00. Styles available at Chelsea Brentwood 11704 Barrington Court, Los Angeles, CA 90049 (310)471-4770 www.chelseabrentwood.com.