Shopping Blog

The latest ultra-cool picks in design and fashion, all shoppable online.

Cheap Chic

Levis_blogIn an era of $200-plus jeans, it's all too rare to come across truly great options in the double-digit price range. Last weekend at the Levi's store senior market editor Lynette Pone stumbled on—and immediately fell in love with—their 531 style, which she was amazed to find rang in at only $58. "The fit couldn't be better," she says. "They're slim but not too tapered or too tight." Do as she did and opt for the Suzy wash, a clean, sophisticated, goes-with-anything indigo.

August 29, 2007

Foreign Exchange

Antikbag_blogSpecial sections director Liz Kiernan is a longtime fan of luxe Parisian fashion label Antik Batik, master of the rich hippie look, though it tends to be expensive and hard to find in the States. So she was thrilled to discover their gorgeous—and massively discounted—evening bag at yoox.com. Composed of intricately beaded steel gray suede and a delicate chain strap, it's the perfect cocktail-party accessory.

August 29, 2007

Bed Time

Bed_blogSenior associate fashion editor Heather Summerville has been hunting for the perfect bed frame for nearly three years. She wanted something that's as simple as it is special and finally tracked down exactly what she was looking for at CB2. While most four-poster styles err on the side of traditional, this one is cool and contemporary without feeling too stark, looks very glamorous, and is priced so reasonably for such a large statement piece.

August 28, 2007

Tough Enough

Earring_blog"I like a punk look," confesses associate fashion editor Noria Morales, "even though it's not really my style." She likes to incorporate small doses into her pared-down, feminine aesthetic, and these pyramid-shaped stud earrings by Wendy Nichol are perfect: They're satisfyingly edgy, but scaled down and minimalist enough that anyone can pull them off.

August 27, 2007

Creams of the Crop

The girls in the Lucky beauty department are maniacal about sun protection: Though the beauty closet is generally overstuffed, the sunscreen shelf is almost always empty because they force multiple bottles on every staffer going on vacation. Right now they're especially obsessed with eye cream containing SPF. The consensus is that there's no easier way to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. They don't agree, however, on which products are best. Here, their individual favorites:

Creamdior_blogDawn Spinner, associate beauty editor: Dior HydrAction Hydra-Protective Eye Creme SPF20. "I love the fluffiness of this—plus, it has an incredible light-reflecting, dark-circle-hiding sheen so I don't even need concealer."

Creamdff_blogCat Marnell, beauty assistant: DDF Protective Eye Cream SPF15 Plus with CoQ-10. "My undereye area is super-sensitive, and sometimes creams actually sting when I put them on, as does any makeup remover I'm using. This one is incredibly gentle—I even apply it to my upper lids, with no irritation—and it really protects."

Creammurad_blogCristina Mueller, senior beauty editor: Murad Essential-C Eye Cream SPF15. "This is packed with vitamin C, which is amazing for skin brightening and repairing, and it has the most silky, almost serum-like texture, which is all too rare."

August 27, 2007

First Class Travel

Tote_blogAfter years of traveling with makeup brushes crammed into my (already very jumbled) cosmetics case, I've finally decided it's time to upgrade. M Z Wallace's leopard-print pouch fits the bill perfectly. It's made of paper-thin, lightweight nylon so it won't bulk up my carry-on, and the material is stain- and water-resistant. And despite being so practical, it also looks totally jet-set and glamorous too.

August 24, 2007

Fall Find

Alicedress_blog Though the season hasn't quite started, online fashion editor Violet Gaynor has already picked out her perfect fall dress. This baby-doll style by Alice + Olivia is made of soft wool jersey and comes in a range of playful primary colors. The cut is simple and straightforward (and therefore totally versatile), but details like inverted pleats and smocked banding in the back keep things interesting. Wear it with opaque tights and flats at the office, or try it with a swingy coat and peep-toe stilettos for a night out.

August 24, 2007

One For You, One For Me

Pendant_blogAssociate fashion editor Ann Brady's go-to gifts for all her closest friends are these delicate Satya Jewelry pendant necklaces. Each one is hand-finished in 24-karat gold, and feature a lotus blossom motif, which is symbolic of new beginnings. A dainty cluster of stones adds a sweet bit of embellishment, as seen in this citrine version, which Ann recently bought for her best friend—and she couldn't resist picking one up for herself, too.

August 23, 2007

Cinched In

Widebelt_blog Fashion news contributor Erin Wylie is newly obsessed with this wide jersey belt from Anzevino & Florence. It's got a little bit of an '80s vibe to it (ruching, exposed zipper) and Erin's planning to order one to give some definition to the voluminous dresses she stocked up on this spring. "This is the perfect thing to give floaty pieces a tough, interesting edge and transition them to fall," she says.

August 23, 2007

Saddle Up

Saddlebag_blogEditor-at-large Gigi Guerra bought this saddle belt bag a couple of weeks ago and has been loving it ever since. She's been wearing it over her shoulder, messenger-style, says it's just the right size to hold her sunglasses, wallet, and keys. It's made of really rich, thick, ever-so-slightly weathered leather, and Gigi says that no one can believe her when she tells them it cost just $48.

August 17, 2007

An Old Standby Gets a New Twist

Bookcase_blogThough Ikea's basic Billy Bookcase has already been sold in untold zillions around the world, up until now it's only been available in solid neutral colors. The slick new black-and-white floral version is a bold departure, and it transforms a standard-issue shelving unit into a cheeky, fashiony design piece. And it's still as awesomely cheap as its predecessors: a floor-to-ceiling model rings in at $60.

August 15, 2007

Baby Essential

Diaper_blogFinding the perfect diaper bag can be a tricky endeavor: most either look overtly baby bag-ish (i.e., cloyingly cute) or just aren't functional. Editor in chief Kim France recently found a brilliant option, which she's already gifted to two of the new moms on our staff. Marc by Marc Jacobs' supple leather tote has a chic, pared-down aesthetic but is fully equipped with tons of interior and exterior pockets, comes with a waterproof changing pad, and has padded straps that make it really comfortable to carry. Best yet, it's completely undetectable as a diaper tote, and is totally credible as a purse anyone would want to use even after transporting baby supplies is no longer an issue.

August 15, 2007

Double Take

Sandal_blogs As she was getting her hair cut the other day, fashion director Hope Greenberg looked down and noticed the amazing wood heels her stylist was wearing. "Who makes those?" Hope asked, assuming they were by some big-name European designer as she took in the caramel leather, distressed brass buckles, and subtle contrast stitching. She was pleasantly surprised to learn they were in fact Aerosoles, which means not only are they infinitely more affordable than they look, but comfortable too.

August 13, 2007

Mix and Match

Placemat_blogs It's hard to summarize the dominant aesthetic of Pomegranate Inc.'s extensive textiles collection. There's something for everyone, since styles range from retro country-inspired florals to elegant, slightly abstract geometric motifs. Napkinring_blogs Standouts on their newly revamped e-commerce site include the cotton placemats in an icy honeycomb print and napkin rings that mimic old-school rope bracelets.

August 13, 2007

Snake Bit

Snakeskinbangles_blogs "There's nothing more glamorous than snakeskin," says editorial assistant Alexandra Willinger, "but only in small doses." She's always on the lookout for the perfect little accessory, whether it's an evening clutch or a simple flat. These bangles by Ted Rossi suit her perfectly: High-gloss but with lots of organic texture, they add just the right touch of luxury.

August 10, 2007

Straight Off The Runway

Plaidbag_blogs Associate fashion news associate Lauren DeCarlo has gotten tired of oversize statement bags: "For the past couple seasons, it's been all about big, heavy shapes in black or brown leather, embellished with lots of hardware," she says. So she was pleased to see that plaid satchels had popped up on the fall runways and even more excited to discover this totally affordable take on the trend.

August 10, 2007

Spring Into Fall

Karenwalker_blogs Staff editor Jennifer Romolini came across Karen Walker's spring collection a little late in the season, which meant slim pickings but sale prices. Her favorite styles are the flowy dresses in vintage-inspired floral prints. "I'll be wearing these for months," Jennifer says. "When it gets cold, I'll just throw on a cardigan and ankle boots."

August 08, 2007

A Luxe Look—Way Cheaper Than You'd Think

Pearlstuds_blogsIt's almost impossible to believe that this perfect, timeless pair of freshwater pearl studs is only $35. They telegraph a dignified and elegant attitude, but the pale pink tint is more girlish than grandma. The overall effect is so subtle you can wear them in almost any context.

August 08, 2007

Pros' Picks

Narsblush_blogs_2 We here at Lucky are always interested in what items our favorite makeup artists consider absolutely essential. So the other day when we were in the studio together, I put the question to Hope Choman—a frequent Lucky contributor and an expert at creating pretty, natural look. She narrowed it instantly down to two: a Nars Angelika blush and Shu Uemura's #27 brush. Shubrush_blogs_2 The blush looks bubblegum pink in its packaging, but it goes on soft and glowy, particularly when applied with the Shu Uemura brush, which can also be used for loose powder and bronzer. "This combination is flawless," Hope says, "the color is universally flattering and the brush makes anything you use with it go on that much more smooth and sheer."

August 07, 2007

All-Seasons

Apcwedges_blogAs soon as fashion director Hope Greenberg spotted these snakeskin heels in A.P.C.'s fall catalog she all but raced to the store to get a pair of her own. They're wedges, a style she favors for both their comfort and height-boosting properties, but the reptilian motif and crisscross straps give them a jolt of sex appeal and glamour. "These are the perfect wear-anywhere, year-round shoe," Hope says, "They're great with bare legs now, and I'll add black opaque tights come fall."

August 06, 2007

Lost and Found

Umbrella_blogGiven my propensity to leave them behind in restaurants, I burn through umbrellas rather quickly, and thus am forever on the lookout for chic replacements. I recently discovered a company called Tray 6 that makes fashionable umbrellas, many with abstract floral prints. My favorite, the navy blue Bloom, features an asymmetrical motif that's the perfect balance between girly and graphic.

August 06, 2007

Packing Light

Beachchair_blogMy beach conundrum is this: If I'm there for longer than an hour, I want a chair to sit in, but the thought of lugging one from the parking lot couldn't be less appealing. I love designer Larry Laske's solution: a plastic board with spiky prongs you plunge down into the sand to form a backrest. It weighs next to nothing, has a built-in handle so it's super easy to carry, Flipflop_blog_2and comes in a range of cute tropical colors. Also making my packing list for my next seaside trip: Havaiana's Slim Flip Flops. They're as perfectly no-frills and comfortable as their classic rubber thongs, only with the straps scaled down ever so slightly for a more feminine end result.

August 03, 2007

Shape Up

Betseydress_blog Editor at large Gigi Guerra is a big fan of this season's voluminous dresses: "In the middle of summer," she says, "they're just about the only thing I feel like putting on." But she's beginning to crave just a little bit of shape. Betsey Johnson's satiny style (which is only available at Urban Outfitters' website) has drapey sleeves and a smocked waist—classic details that flatter any body type. And, what at first seems like an abstract print is actually a cheeky sailor girl motif.

August 02, 2007

Five-Star Bedding

Sheets_blog Sferra, purveyor of exquisite, quintessentially Italian bedding, makes possibly the most luxurious sheets out there. They're crisp but still soft, cool to the touch, and so inviting you'll always be tempted to climb into bed. Though I've been a longtime devotee of their all-white linens, I'm planning to expand my collection with an embroidered version called the Drake, embellished with a geometric link pattern that's understated and so elegant.

August 02, 2007

Forward Thinking

Chloeboot_blog If you want the best spring shoes, you'd better buy them when it's 20 degrees outside and the leaves are still a couple of months away from being on the trees. And if you want the best fall items, take a cue from our market director Anne Keane and order them right now, when the temperatures hover in the eighties, because you can be sure that when it's 58 degrees out, these sleek, simple Chloé boots she just ordered with that awesome gold back zipper will be all sold out in your size.

August 01, 2007

Quick Fix

Selftan_blog Editor in chief Kim France likes the idea of self-tanner: "My legs are really pale, and I wear dresses all summer," she says. "I don't need to look dark, but I like to be just the tiniest bit glowy." However she can't deal with the reality of self-tanner: the time-suck of applying it and waiting for it to dry, in addition to the truly awful way it smells. One day, white as a bone and pressed to find a quick solution before a big lunch, she went to the beauty closet and emerged with a spray-on bronzer called California Tan Sunless After Glow. "The packaging isn't glamorous, she says, "and it looks like it's going to be way too dark and glittery, but it is perfection. You spray it on, rub it in, get dressed, and off you go." And not to worry, the pigment won't smudge clothes or bedsheets.

August 01, 2007
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