On the Fringe



Anthropologie fringed basket bag, $238



When I first spotted Anthropologie’s fringed basket bag in a catalog, I was smitten.  It seemed like the perfect thing to wear with this designer I love.  But after looking at it online, now I can’t make up my mind.  And, since I am planning on getting these which I know I will live in it seems like, with the bag, it will just be overkill.  What do you think? 

Ryann Rose Designs

With Spring ushering in such strong changes to fashion’s silhouettes, the time is perfect not only to refresh what’s hanging in your closet, but also to take a look at updating your jewelry box too.  Ryann Rose Designs is a new Etsy shop filled with the kind of pieces I want to wear right now.  The beaded bracelets will look perfect with wide leg jeans, chunky platforms and airy tops.  Or, pick up one of the statement rings.  These rings manage to be striking while still having that casual bohemian vibe so they work equally well for day or evening. 

In addition to the Etsy store, where prices range from $15 - $40, Ryann Rose Designs also takes custom orders.  I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my triple beaded bracelet in red bamboo coral.

What about you?  What is your favorite in her shop?

Disclosure: Delicious is related to the Ryann Rose designer by marriage, however this is not a sponsored post.

Little Miss Hits the Marc

Miss Marc by Marc Jacobs USB key chain, $38, ShopBop

Office girls of the 50s knew to always have a mini sewing kit, nail file and extra stockings on hand.  I’d say that list still holds, with the addition of a USB jump drive.  USB drives have saved me many times, like when the wireless connection went down minutes before a big presentation or when I needed to do a quick print job in a hotel’s business center.

This Miss Marc by Marc Jacobs USB key chain will make sure I am never without a trusty drive.  Miss Marc has popped up on everything from t-shirts to totes over the years.  While I like her quirky-cute look, at thirty-ahem-something years of age, donning a shirt with her on it never seemed quite right.  But this key chain fits the bill perfectly and I won’t have to worry about anyone at my office walking off with my drive.

What about you?  Do you always have a USB drive on hand?

Love, the Second Time Around

Do you ever contemplate a purchase, decide against it, and regret doing do ever since?  Oh, I have been positively haunted by some of the things that I let get away.  But with Google, I find myself on occasion typing in the lost item with the hopes it pops up on eBay or elsewhere.  

About four years back, I was putting my husband through a University of Michigan graduate school program and watching every penny.  So despite the fact that a certain resin Marc Jacobs white guitar pendant watch necklace was at a “last call” price in my Neiman Marcus shopping cart, I let it go.  I was drawn to the ease and playfulness of it.  It seemed like just the thing I would throw on with one of the grey t shirts I live in and my Supergas, say to take in the Dinosaur Jr. concert that was paying down the street.  Or some for some other occasion where I could, ironically, care less about the time.   

With thanks to eBay, I will soon know if love really is sweeter the second time around.  And, even better, my necklace will be here just in time for me to throw it on with a grey t shirt to watch the Old 97’s play down the street.

So, how about you?  Anything you have let languish in your shopping cart only to regret it later?

Target’s Latest Designer Collaboration Flies Under the Radar

Linea Pelle for Target Studded Hobo in Black $34.99
Available February–June

Since the first Michael Graves whistling teakettle, Target has been known for “bringing design to all.” Their fashion collaborations are usually advertised in glossies and on TV.  Video on Target.com would showcase designers speaking about the collection and the experience of partnering with Target. Editorial coverage ranged from the Wall Street Journal to Vogue.

So it’s surprising that their current collaboration with Linea Pelle has been available in stores since February 2, with barely a mention.  I spotted the handbags, make-up bags and accessories completely by accident while running errands. 

Admittedly some of Target’s handbag collections have left me cold, such as the recent Mulberry one.  Making a quality faux leather is tricky but the Linea Pelle line is worth a look.  There is a cornflower blue top handle bag that would be perfect for Spring and the black one pictured here will hold you over until then.  The line is part of Target’s Spring 2011 Trend Accessories Collection and prices range from $4.99 to $49.99 for handbags, scarves, jewelry, hats and shoes.  While select items from the collection are availible online, the Linea Pelle items are not (as of press time). 

I am curious, would you have made a trip to Target just to check out the line had you known about it?  Will you go now?

Step Into Spring

It may be another cold, wintery morning here in the midwest, but I am thinking Spring today thanks to H&M.  They have renewed what’s in stores now with florals, breezy silhouettes and fabrics, and punches of color. 

These shoes caught my eye.  I like the architecture of the heel and the ankle wrap style would be so supportive and comfy.  Not to mention the color! 

I can just imagine them with a Honeysuckle pedicure.  And at $34.95, the shoes are quite the bargain.  Available in black too.  Now, what would you wear with these shoes?

Carry On

Day Four of our "What to Pack?" Series

When I was in college, I borrowed my father’s camera for an introductory photography class I was taking.  Dad was a photojournalist with the Army in Vietnam, so when he delivered the camera to me it was still in his U.S. issued, army green shell bag with a well-worn leather strap.  I loved that bag and needless to say when the class was over, I returned the camera but kept the bag. 

The year was 1993 and that Christmas, under the tree, was my very own shell bag, complements of Dad from Duluth Pack.  If you have never heard of the Duluth Pack, get friendly immediately.  Their products are timeless, guaranteed for life, made in the USA and beyond reasonably priced.  And, if an endorsement from Delicious is not enough, what about Barney’s?  Duluth collaborated with the New York fashion force to produce an exclusive line.  And, out of respect for Duluth, I am not one to drop names but I can tell you Barney’s is not the only retailer who is interested in their wares.  

Eighteen years later, I am still carrying that same bag on my journeys (and in my daily life).  Oh sure, at times it went to the back of the closet for a spell (you remember the “it” bag trend after all, don’t you?) but I always come back to my shell bag.  I love it for travel because it can hold all the essentials but the blend of canvas with leather makes it more lightweight than an all-leather bag, plus I love the contrast of materials.  And last Spring when I saw Chloe roll out the military trend in their looks, I put down my wallet and pulled my Duluth bag out from the closet.

Priced at $80 and available in a variety of colors.

So what do you think, is the return to all-American craftsmanship for you, or does it make you go running to your Chanel?

A Clutch Worth Holding On To

      anthropologie - $58 -  5.5"H, 7.5"W, 0.5"D

While buying Miroslav Sasek’s This is Paris for my niece at anthropologie, this coin-dusted clutch stopped me in my tracks.  Completely versatile, put it next to jeans and your distressed boots, and it does the “tough-luxe” look to perfection.  It also will go equally well with any LBD in your closet.  Plus, the coin detail is a nice alternative to ubiquitous sequins yet still maintains a degree of delicacy.  The wrist strap (love when they have those) lets it hang at cocktail parties with ease. 

Me?  I would stow my make-up in it and toss it in my carry-on tote for a weekend get away.  Then, when I arrived at my final destination, I would swap the make-up for wallet and mobile and hit the town.

Wrap your Wrist in Chan Luu

Right now, I am really crushing on Chan Luu’s beaded bracelets.  Reminiscent of the string friendship bracelets I wore in my younger days; these beaded bracelets will pair well with what’s already in your jewelry box.  Free expedited shipping at Chan Luu make these great last minute shopping gifts as well.   Available at Chan Luu, Bloomingdales, Net-a-Porter.