choked out

I knew this was coming... the choker is back!  We must be running out of styles to recycle if we're doing the choker again.

Sure, mini backpacks, oversized sweatshirts and babydoll dresses hold a place in my heart - IN THE PAST - during a time when Blossom, 90210, and early Seinfeld ruled the TV.

I don't care how conceptually cool this necklace is, it's still a no-no:

ManiaMania choker in black suede with a brass ring and black tourmaline crystal
$240 at themaniamania.com  courtesy, Phillipe Regard for the New York Times

Sure, there are versions that read "clean" and "futuristic" or modern. I won't be donning one of those either. The whole thing is just ick. It was bad enough the first time.

Read more on this horrifying trend from Glamour, Elle, and the New York Times.

I'd love to hear your comments.

oh yves, j'adore

I (Katy) have been a huuuuuuge fan of Yves Saint Laurent for as long as I can remember. I've owned several pair of sunglasses (for whatever reason, they seem to fit my face perfectly). I've yet to experience the pleasure of a YSL handbag on my shoulder, however. If I had $1500 just sitting around my office, I'd use it on one of these beauties:

the roady with stingray handle

the easy

photo credit - Yves Saint Laurent

the latest links

See by Chloe OTK (over-the-knee) boots- available at net a porter

These links are worth a click:

A slideshow of the best Fall boots at Refinery 29

The current trends in jewelry discussed, with photos at Femita

Gorgeous diamond slices by fine jeweler, Susan Foster

All the accessories the kids will be wearing at Urban Outfitters

The 30 day clothing diet everyone's talking about, discussed by Kami Gray

photo, refinery 29 and SBC

key themes in jewelry design

Warrior Princess
the use of wood with metal, and multiple chain arrangements reflecting the warrior princess style:

Modern Boudoir
a timeless look with "French chic", inspired by stylish women of the Art Deco period, such as Coco Chanel, the subject of two recent movies, and the movie star Marlene Dietrich:

Nature's Alchemy
different ways of blending nature and technology:

Organic Anatomy
the influence of organic structures such as snake skins and bones:

The Witching Hour
a dark and mysterious style, reflected in the use of dark crystals, fish hook earrings, and resin-encased insect designs:

Pictured: 1. Bliss Lau Jewelry, 2. Fenton for J.Crew 3. Silicone Cuff by Nervous System 4. Skull Necklace by Pamela Love 5. Necklace by Unearthen Photos: courtesy www.bonadrag.com (LOVE this site!) www.jcrew.com and www.n-e-r-v-o-u-s.com Trend titles, courtesy, Jaana Jatyri, founder and CEO of www.trendstop.com.

oh, the possibilities!

Platforms at Givenchy

After years selling denim from all the big players - I'm quite frankly, bored with jeans.

By the end of my tenure as a denim specialist at a boutique the thought of jeans made me tired. Even I couldn't keep up with all the trends, much less care, if a new-new-new hot brand came out.

Layered Necklaces at Lanvin

Perhaps this is why I've rediscovered my love for shoes, bags, and jewelry. Bags can be vibrant, jewelry can be sparkly without being trashy (remember embellished jeans?), and shoes can be just plain magical.

Jeans - no matter what Brand X may tell you on a hangtag - are just not as fun. They are foundation pieces. Without them you'd be wearing a skirt, pants, or leggings. Boooo-rinng. Now where's the fun in that?

Futuristic/Athletic Wedges at Proenza Schouler

I was digging around Trendzine: Fashion Information (they predict what the trends of the future will be). I especially liked their trend analysis from Paris Fashion Week for Spring 2010:

ATHLETIC - a luxury meld of motocross, scuba and lounge...
ELEMENTS - patterns dip into watery, airy or earthy themes...
BONDAGE - from tough black leather to khaki fatigues...
CLERICAL - sculptural tailoring, rigid stripes and minimal colour...
FREEFORM - the artistry of effective drape and ingenious pleating...
REVEALED - revealing lingerie and ‘40s Film Noir frou frou...
SKINTONE - sheer skin-revealing-mesh/lace and a fleshy palette...
ROUGHS - surfaces are rippled, ruched, destroyed or textured...

Killer Shades at Stella McCartney

Oh, the possibilities!

Photos courtesy of style dot com