Continuing along the Top 10 theme, I have carried out a little investigation into Springs most sought after booties. Personally, I veer toward suede options which hit around ankle length and pair well with all manner of summer looks (such as the Rag & Bone Deacon style above). Taking into account quality, style and comfort plus the ever important Country of manufacture…….check out Scene of Style’s favorite Spring boots!

1. Rag & Bone Newbury Classic $495. The Newbury continues to be a favorite among celebrityville and the fashion set alike with R&B releasing new options every season. The 3.5″ heel is a little high for daily running around but is perfect for those who like the height. The zip feature at the back facilitates ease when slipping on and off (especially for those with high arches) while availability in half sizes is another plus. The negative? Something I have complained about before – The price point is a little steep for a boot made in China.

2. Tory Burch Lindsay $395. Lindsay is the latest boot option from Tory Burch and is said to have a 3.5″ heel. Personally I feel it is a little higher! Made of calfskin with a slight slouchy style,  I particularly like this grey color but a soft butter is also available. Tory Burch footwear is notoriously hit and miss on sizes but my experience of late is that this has been rectified. The negative for this boot is there is no zipper entry but it is manufactured in Brazil. Worth a try if Rag & Bone’s Newbury is slightly out of your price range or you want a boot not made in China! Also available here.

3. Madewell’s Mid-heeled boots $208. Madewell continue to offer fab boots at amazing prices. This oiled suede option in Green Spinach is perfect if you are heavy on footwear as the darker color will camouflage the grime of rigorous wearing! The only negative I see is that the heel is wrapped in suede which may snag, but you can easily get it replaced at a reputable shoe repair shop should it get out of control. Available in half sizes with a side zipper and made in Italy, the Mid-heel is definitely worth the price.

4. All Saints Buckled Jodhpur Boot $295. All Saints currently offer a fabulous array of styles in their boot selection but I particularly like the Jodhpur. The hand washed leather with almond toe and taller shaft creates a slight western/ biker vibe and looks fabulous with shorts or jeans rolled. I have always found All Saints boots to be true to size and extremely comfortable but sometimes a little lacking in quality.  Good price point though plus the zipper entry and a 2″ heel make this boot a worthy consideration. Also available in grey suede and black leather.  Made in either Portugal, Spain or Italy. A strong contender!

5. A.P.C. Inside Zip Boot $515. I purchased my A.P.C. booties two years ago and continue to enjoy wearing them……… this style truly never dates! Currently available in a butter suede with zipper entry this option boasts a 2″ heel and is comfort personified. The drawback with A.P.C is that they only make footwear in full sizes, a constant issue I find with European brand boots. I opted for a size 39 which equates to a US size 8.5/9 and needed an insole for stability. Made in Portugal the quality of this boot commands the higher price point

6. Chloe Suzanna Boot $1345. “Suzanna” by Chloe has been top of every fashion bloggers wish list for the last few years with the price tag cause for debate. My take is this – if you seek quality over quantity and are disciplined enough to choose just a couple of seasonal statements then Suzanne is a must. My choice is the black option peppered with silver studs and buckles for timeless appeal. Currently available in cream and grey also, Suzanne has  a 1.75″ heel and will just get better with each wear!  Made in Italy. Iconic!

7. Aquatalia Xcellent Bootie $350. Xcellent references the perforated leather trend giving a real spring vibe to the foot. A rear zip and shorter shaft makes it the perfect option for skirts and shorts while the heel is a standard 2″. Aquatalia are known for comfortable footwear and, as I own a pair from this brand, can vouch for the padded foot beds provided in many of their heeled boots. Also in black, this boot is made in Italy. Whats not to love!

8. Vince Camuto Tipper Boot $168.95. Yes…….very similar to Chloe’s Suzanna, but for a fraction of the price and minus the studs and detail. Like many other  less expensive brands, Camuto offers several options similar to designer styles in a bid to capture the more trend conscious. Sometimes it works and sometimes not. For those who seek style on a budget these are a great versatile option. Tipper is available in half sizes and customer reviews pretty much back up the 1.5″ heel for comfort. Also available in a suede option. Made in China. Style on the cheap!

9. Alberto Fermani Diva $425. Alberto Fermani make fabulous boots…period! I bought several AF tall boot options this last Winter, on which I have received many compliments. The slightly distressed suede of Diva works particularly well with denim and is available in 8 colorways – including a lovely light sand shade. I do find Fermani a little on the narrow side but with the help of the side zip and a couple of short periods of wear they typically stretch out. The 3″ heel keeps this bootie within the realms of comfortable and it is also available in half sizes. Made in Italy. There are truly no negatives to this boot!

10. Steve Madden Prizzze $99.95. Prizzze, in my opinion, is one of the best options in the sub $100 range. Reviews at online retailers back this up for reasons of comfort, style and versatility while simultaneously ticking the box for those who are budget conscious. The 1.75″ heel is substantial and the upper is leather suede, not faux. The style potential is limitless as the shorter shaft works well with shorts, skirts and dresses. As it comes in at an impressive price point you might splurge on the black option also. Negative? Made in China.

Comments welcome!

The post Springs Top Ten On-Trend Booties! appeared first on Scenes of Style.

Tory Burch Vacation Style

With our relocation to South Carolina imminent and many excursions planned to Tampa Bay, Florida, I have already started my West to East transitional mood board inspired by the Tory Burch resort collection.

The Biarritz tunic is key to this story and the most useful piece for summer. Perfect beach wear when its time to cover up or pair with jeans/shorts for sightseeing! Accessories, also from Tory Burch, have become my perennial summer staple ~ from this seasons offerings I am considering the Fache Fisherman tote, Square Frame sunglasses and Britton wedges in a bid to recapture my inner bohemian!

Dragonfly’s are the symbol du jour with several designers referencing this most regal of insects (can an insect be regal?) in their 2013 collections. I love this beautiful sterling Lakota dragonfly pendant from Jennifer Jesse Smith’s signature collection which works well alone or in a layering configuration.

Destroyed denim is back in vogue and made for life by the ocean. Pair AG’s skinny Stilt option with the TB  tunic and flip-flops for boat trips or sightseeing excursion.

Last but by no means least is Clarin’s Eau Dynamasante. This fresh clean fragrance – complimented by an equally fragrant lotion and shower gel – has been part of my summer arsenal for the last twenty years! Check out the Life’s a Beach capsule…….and don’t forget the ever important sunscreen!

Style Menu

Jennifer Jesse Smith Lakota Dragonfly Pendant

Tory Burch Tunic

Tory Burch Bag (and here)

Tory Burch Britton Sandals

Tory Burch Sunglasses

Clarins Eau Dynamasante Fragrance

AG Destroy Stilt Jeans

The post Life’s a Beach! A Tory Tunic and Capsule Favorites! appeared first on Scenes of Style.

In just a few short weeks, Jewelry designer Jennifer Jesse Smith will leave the snow-capped mountains of Santa Fe, for two of Italy’s most captivating cities in what promises to be the trip of a lifetime. A busman’s vacation of sorts, Jennifer will seek design inspiration while touring the heart of the Italian Renaissance with stays in both Venice and Florence.

“The wealth of inspiration that lies in wait for me in Italy is equal to total transcendent bliss! ” Jennifer Jesse Smith.

Scenes of Style has become privy to La signora dell’itinerario including an exclusive reveal of her latest designs fired by an affinity with the renaissance. But First let’s take peek into Jennifer’s suitcase and see what this cosmopolitan designer takes on her travels!

Arriving in Venice!

“In my astrological birth chart I have five natal planets in Libra which is ruled by Venus, so I am all things Venusian in Art & Life.”JJS

Venice is known under many names ~”the Queen of the Adriatic”,”City of Water”,”City of Masks”,”City of Bridges,”The Floating City and “City of Canals”; The New York Times reports it as “undoubtedly the most beautiful city built by man.” Rich in ancient history yet alive with contemporary culture, Venice offers a wealth of inspiration for those with a creative spirit. Having already designed some amazing new pieces from her research alone it is safe to say Jennifer will gain a whole new perspective from actually experiencing the spoils of Venezia!

Casa Codognato 

Casa Codognato Venice

Jennifer’s Italian adventure starts with a dream visit to Venice’s most illustrious jewelry atelier Casa Codognato. Owned by Attilio Codognato, this boutique sits in the same building on which it was founded by Codognato’s great-grandfather in 1866. The clientele listing reads like a “who’s who” with luminaries such as Grace kelly, Coco Chanel, Andy Warhol, Jackie Onassis and, more recently, Nicole Kidman all noted for wearing Codognato’s designs. The shop features antique cameos, brooches, serpentine rings and skull designs; “the Codognato style is a common reflection on death, and thus on life. It is not mortuary, but a message that celebrates the image of life.” Attilio Codognato (The daily bell)

Jennifer Jesse Smith Pearl Chandelier Earrings

It is the Codognato quality and design that Jennifer aspires;“I want to show how as a maker and designer my craftsmanship is on par with what I’m inspired by ~ In these times when many designers are emulating works but “cheating” the quality, I want my work to stand out from all that is considered mass manufacturing” ~ JJS

Jennifer Jesse Smith 18k Ruby ring with 18k bezel and inlay elements

“During the richness of the Renaissance the realms of the mythic and the free muse came into light. This allowed artisans to celebrate with bold color and secular beauty” JJS

This 18k Ruby ring with 18k bezel and inlay elements is representative of the fine quality of Jennifer’s latest work. Price and information on request.

Signature Pieces

JJS “I Feel My Star” Pendant

JJS Raven Embrace Ring with green garnet

Jennifer’s ability to layer jewelry, specifically her own designs, is a defined art in itself! So what signature pieces will she take to the land of style?

“I always wear my signature Raven Embrace ring with 8mm tsavorite green garnet and lately I have veered towards my I Feel My Star necklace which I pair with my Fleur de Vine hoop earrings. Outfit? I have a fabulous Neiman Marcus red vintage cashmere sweater that I will wear with a black pencil skirt and black suede wedge boots” Perfetto!!

The Rigoletto live opera at the Grand Palazzo

The Rigoletto live opera at the Grand Palazzo

While in Venice Jennifer plans to attend The Rigoletto live opera at the Grand Palazzo. On an evening that will command more formal attire, this will be a sensory delight for someone so in tune with the arts “I am just starting to plan what I  will wear for this special evening ~ my Pearl Chandelier earrings will most certainly serve as the statement!” Pearl Chandelier earrings (above).

Arriving in Florence!

“One of my first stops in Florence will be the Uffizi Gallery and Botticelli’s,”The birth of Venus” As an artist Botticelli is meaningful to me because he painted the Goddess Venus, instead of the Christian Virgin. His painting spoke to a feminine mythic connection with the universe as opposed to a highly controlled religious world view” JJS

“Botticelli also started his career as a gold-smith, a fine jeweler can see the influences that exist in his paintings” JJS

Fleur de Vine hoops, Wings of Desire earrings and Raven Pendant available at Jennifer Jesse Smith’s website and Packards on The Plaza in Santa Fe.

Farmacia Santa Maria Nouvella

Farmacia Santa Maria Nouvella, Florence

Jennifer has alloted a day to visit the Farmacia Santa Maria Nouvella which produces a line of sought after natural products using medicinal herbs from time honored recipes. What began in the 16th Century by the monks of the Dominican order – who created concoctions for Catherine D’Medici, Queen of France –  has evolved into an international thriving business from the heart of Florence. The spirit of the founding monks remains; the ancient recipes are still adhered to while the vast majority of the medicinal herbs used in its products are grown locally on the hills around Florence. Furthermore, none of its products are tested on animals.

JJS Venetian Gem Chain Drop Earrings

As with many adventures it is often the unplanned that makes for the most memorable experience. We wish Jennifer Bon Voyage and look forward to hearing of her travels on her return and – of course – the amazing new collection!

JJS Venetian Gem Chain Drop Earrings (left)

All Jennifer Jesse Smith’s jewelry available through her website or at Packards on The Plaza, Santa Fe or contact me directly on the Scenes of Style contact form.

Images of Jennifer and her jewelry designs by kind permission of Jennifer Jesse Smith and Photographer Peter Weidenfeller

More on Jennifer Jesse Smith here and here.

The post A Jewelry Designers Renaissance! Jennifer Jesse Smith Heads to Italy! appeared first on Scenes of Style.

So! Just a week into the New Year and I am already itching to see new Spring styles. Given my propensity for feeling the cold, I have really over done the heavy knits of late, so I’m now on the hunt for fresh pieces to relieve my sweater-laden closet. The key to transitional style is to seek separates that bridge seasons – pieces such as stripe tee’s, silk blouses and a khaki utility jacket will offer versatility through to summer and beyond.

It was the unequivocal style of Coco Chanel who introduced us to stripes in the form of a Bretton tee. Since then designers have pushed boundaries showing stripes with sequins, tweeds, bold prints and in all manner of fabrics, color and styles thus making it my seasonal print of choice!

For this, the first post of the year, I have taken inspiration from a recent photo shoot by talented Arizona photographer, Natasha Wilson, taken on location at Turner’s Falls Airport in Turners Falls, MA. Check out several of Natasha’s images throughout this post and also on her website. As always the style capsules link to online retailers through the style menus. Happy Shopping.

Navy is a key investment color and works well from now through to Summer. Take a leaf from J Crew and don your stripe sweater with a print skirt such as their sequin houndstooth option. Layer with a denim shirt and keep the accessories simple. Kitten heels are back (yeah) and Mulberry’s Lily purse completes the lady-like look.  To create a little more chic, pair the pencil skirt with a stripe cardigan and white shirt or tee. Add polish with a pair Jackie O type sunnies!

STYLE MENU

White Shirt

Sequin Houndstooth Skirt

Jackie Stripe Sweater

Perfect Denim Shirt

V Neck Sweater (similar)

Mulberry Lily Purse

Jimmy Choo Kitten Heels

Gucci Sunglasses

Tap into your inner Alexa Chung for a French styled ensemble.  Team stripes with an updated cropped trench and  black basics – such as a James Purse stretch skirt (also available  in a mini option).  Fiorentini & Baker (Italy) are currently Europe’s most sought after boot brand (new store just opened in London) while Alexander Wang’s Brenda purse - also a hot item – is available in many color options and makes for the perfect every day purse.

STYLE MENU

Black and White Stripe Sweater Dress

Burberry Cropped Trench

Black and White Stripe Tee

James Purse Black Skirt

Fiorentini & Baker Nubis Boots

Alexander Wang Brenda Purse

CREDITS

Photography: Natasha Wilson

Models: Madeline Laporte (and in photo with car), Nicole Crouch and Katherine Oakes.

MUAH: Natasha Wilson

Location: Turner’s Falls Airport in Turners Falls, MA.

Images used with kind permission of Natasha Wilson.

The post How To Wear Stripes Now! appeared first on Scenes of Style.

Aimee is from the small town of  Columbus, Ohio, where growing up she developed an interest in fashion and photography from her mother. At a young age she started to collect magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Seventeen, W, Nylon; ” I may have been too young to understand what they were discussing in the articles but it wouldn’t stop me from staring at the pictures for hours” she recalls. Now studying Retail and consumer Science at the University of Arizona, Aimee has her sights firmly set on a career within the fashion industry; “I love that fashion is always moving and how a change of location can influence people’s taste. Some may say my style is different, but I’m glad because with fashion I like to take risks”.

Aimee – who holds a slight resemblance to the late, great Amy Winehouse – is styled in what I would class as polished rockeresque.  The eternally stylish leather jacket serves as anchor to a classic white shirt, dark denim skinnies and sky scraper heels. Embellished features on both the jacket and shirt take the look from classic to trend while the hair and make-up, by Kristopher Osuna and Tiffany Rose Fairbanks, create an overall air of cool sophistication.  A fabulous end to a stylish 2012! Happy Holidays!

Photographer: H Robert Upton Hair: Kristopher Osuna Make-Up: Tiffany Rose Fairbanks Model: Aimee Cabakoff

SHOP THE SHOOT

A leather jacket is a key essential so keep it fairly simple with a classic biker style such as this fabulous All Saints Walker jacket. The embellished collar blouse is a fun trend piece but likely to date so don’t splurge too much on this. Dark denim skinnies need absolutely no explanation, while the heels are truly the accessory for you to add your own flavor (and level of comfort!) Click on each image for link to retailer.

The post Embellished Classics! The Leather Jacket and White Shirt reinvented! appeared first on Scenes of Style.

The anatomy of the high-waisted jean is defined by a rise of at least 9″ and a leg length of 29″  - 31″. The typical hem opening is around 10″. This versatile cut is perfect for tucking into tall boots or pairing with heels and lends itself to flat shoes as well as sneakers. Miranda Kerr (above) is often seen sporting a higher rise skinny and her look perfectly illustrates how the higher rise jean can bridge that awkward gap when paired with a shorter jacket.

The high-rise skinny is not for everyone. As a long-waisted pear shape, it works well for me because my waist sits so high but it would not suit those with a more boyish shape for example. As with any jean the key to finding the perfect option is to try on as many brands as you can in a short space of time…..not for the faint hearted I might add!! I have already done some of the leg work on your behalf so check out my top 5 favorite high-rises all made in the USA!

The Rocket by Citizens of Humanity

Rocket is my favorite high skinny and is one of Citizens best-selling styles. A 9 1/2′ rise with a 29″ length leg and a 10″ hem opening equals perfect harmony. Rocket has just the right amount of stretch and I particularly love this ‘Goth’ option. Recently, I spilt bleach on my Rockets purchased while on promotion. The fact I paid full price for the replacement is testament to how much I love this jean. The Rocket is also available in a leatherette and blue denim. This skinny is true to size but it pays to also order the size down to ensure the right fit for you. Style tip: perfect with a leather biker jacket!

The Farrah Skinny by AG Adriano Goldschmied

My first ever high-rise skinny was the Farrah option by AG which I purchased with some trepidation, concerned I was venturing into “Mom Jean” territory! Fear not! I now own 3 pairs of Farrah’s and am always on the look out for more. On a trip back to England last year I wore these most days. Why? They go with every different kind of shoe or boot and they kept their shape. This option, shown in the Olympia rinse, are the latest additions to my Farrah collection. I ended up sizing down to a 27″ waist from my usual 28″, illustrating why it pays to always order two of your most consistent size options. Style tip: Don’t be afraid to tuck in a slim cut blouse for a sleek look!

Maria by J Brand

I have not actually tried the Maria jean by J Brand but have read rave reviews. General consensus is that sizing is true with some sizing up. A mix of 2% stretch and 98% denim makes for a slightly stiffer feel – more like the denim of old. This model shows the perfect example of ill-fitting, high-rise skinnies. My guess is that she has too short a waist (lower on the torso) for this particular jean rise, which results in the gusset hanging too low. I prefer the darker denim of this Maria option but alternative rinses are available. Style tip: The hem of the skinny should hit right above the ankle bone to reveal the whole shoe.

James Jeans High Rise Wonder

Wonder is the higher-rise alternative to the James Twiggy jean, a style I have owned for several years. James make a wonderful soft denim with distinct pockets that are reputed to enhance the butt. As with most high-rise jeans, Wonder have a 9 1/2″ rise with a 29″ leg. I particularly love the lighter wash of this James Wonder which work well with the fresh preppy styling or the black bootie option. With James skinnies I would size up from your normal size. Available in darker denim also. Style tip: Lighter color jeans can be unforgiving!  It is imperative that you wear lighter colored skinnies in your correct size!

Imogene Slim by Imogene & Willie

The Imogene raws I purchased 18 months ago are still a work in progress requiring undivided attention to get them to the point of love! I & W understand raw denim is not everyone’s cup of tea so also offer a ready to wear stretch denim. The Imogene Slim is a clean-lined premium indigo with a 9″ rise and is definitely worth a look for those who have a penchant for higher quality denim from indie style retailers. This cut works well for those with a natural pear shape! (larger hip to waist ratio) and can be ordered to your preferred leg length. If you seek an even higher rise check out the Elizabeth (2.5″ higher than the imogene) - also available at the Imogene & Willie website. Style tip: Team your dark denim with leopard print for polished style!

The post High Five! The Best High-Rise Skinny Jeans! appeared first on Scenes of Style.

Miranda Kerr ~ Shop The Look Style Menu.

Denim Jacket ~ Urban Outfitters Studded Denim Jacket

Skirt ~ J Crew Pleated Crepe Skirt

Shirt ~ J Crew Boy Shirt in Thomas Mason Fabric

Booties ~ Ash Bootie here and here

Tote – Alexander Wang Prisma here and here

Hat ~ Rag & Bone Fedora similar here or here

The post Miranda Kerr’s Uptown Style! appeared first on Scenes of Style.

Fashion often moves in a parallel world to that of music, with many artists – females in particular – becoming trendsetters in their own right. Florence Welch of Florence and The Machine is a good example…..while others such as Lana Del Rey, Katie Perry and Rihanna are all revered for their personal style.

Recently I had the good fortune to be introduced to the stunning musician, Alyssa Sky, when she headed up a fashion shoot with H.Robert Upton Photography in the cool local of Tempe, Arizona. Fashion direction was lead by Scotsdale’s ‘Guess’ retail manager, Stephanie Rady, who styled Alyssa in a contradiction of fur vest, textured shorts and sweet blouse, all available from the latest collection at Guess.  The Dr Marten style boots served as a youthful infusion, only those with a certain attitude can pull off!

Alyssa’s first love is music while modeling is something she decided to “give a try” at a friend’s suggestion. Not being one to take anything at face value, I checked out Alyssa on Utube and was presently surprised…..dang….. this girl can sing!

On her website, Alyssa’s music is described as “a focus on blends of acoustic guitar and driving piano mixed with dark lyrical undertones combined with peppy rhythms and melodies”. In my opinion, Alyssa is not unlike artists Sara Bareilles, Anna Nalick and Marie Digby, all have a story to tell – more often than not – involving some level of  female angst! Similarly, Alyssa plays guitar and learned to play the piano “by teaching myself to play songs from a music book by Vanessa Carlton” ~ another apparent influence!

Watch this space….Alyssa is the kind of girl who ends up on shows such as American Idol and The Voice, although in this case, her look is definitely part of the appeal. Ultimately ~ whether it be in modeling, through music or a combination of both ~ Alyssa Sky, is destined to achieve a level of success. As they say ~ The Sky’s the limit!

Shop The Shoot Menu

Cassie Faux Fur Vest, Connie Shorts and Gemma Geo-Print Top All Available at Guess.com Alyssa wears her own boots similar here.

Credits: Photographer ~ H Robert Upton Photography, Model ~ Alyssa Sky, Stylist ~ Stephanie Rady – Manager at Guess, Scottsdale Fashion Square, AZ, MUA ~ Jessica Fierro.

The post Musician Alyssa Sky Rocks Guess Style! appeared first on Scenes of Style.

The British TV series – Downton Abbey – revived Countryside sensibilities returning tweed to the forefront of trends.

I don’t know if you have noticed but it seems, these days, everything has a faux alternative. Take leather for instance……one of the seasons biggest trend stories which is, arguably, available in more fake options than real! Given the price of leather and it propensity to date, I completely understand why it makes sense to go faux.

Suede and fur are other materials that are equally justifiable in faux options especially given the stance, say, of vegans or those who simply choose not to wear animal skin. There is, however, one material I simply refuse to compromise on – one that, for me, offers no alternative – the royal of all fabrics……tweed!

The Countryside trend and revival of tweed’s popularity is due, in part, to the hugely acclaimed British period drama, Downton Abbey, whose stylists have referenced fabrics and apparel styles worn in the early 1900′s.  Burberry, Vivienne Westwood, Ralph Lauren and J Crew have also played a part in tweeds renaissance by showing this most vintage of fabrics in modern-day pairings with the likes of sequins, denim and leather. In simpler terms it is now cool to wear tweed!

Miss Tweed Vixen ~ Alison Taylor

My fellow Brit blogger and online boutique retailer, the lovely Alison of Tweed Vixen talks passionately about tweed on her blog of the same name; “I believe that tweed is a fabric steeped in British Heritage and so for me must be made in the United Kingdom or Ireland. I know that many great Mills around the world make a tweed fabric to different levels of quality, some rather good but to me they are not tweed”.

Alison qualifies what she believes constitutes true tweed:- “Tweed must be at least 80% wool or it is not tweed! I think it is great how popular tweed is in the high street at the moment but my pet peeve is garments with no wool content being called tweed”  Alison wears a Tweed Skirt, Tweed Cap  and Tweed Gilet all available at Tweed Vixen Boutique. Photo by Claire Louise Photography.

Liberty Freedom

Those that have followed this blog for its duration will know I am passionate about the British label – Liberty Freedom – who offer the most stunning of fashion forward tweed apparel. As the owner of a beautiful tweed LiBErty FREEdom Jacket I relate to the incredulence of  tweed fans who simply don’t get why anyone would choose faux as a viable option!

Many retailers have, at least, started to label their tweed garments more accurately by adding “tweed-blend” or “tweed-print” into their descriptive. Here in the USA, it is hard to source true tweed garments but check out a few that I have managed to find with some British retailers thrown in for good measure. Most of these options retail at around $500 upwards…but consider them an investment. When you choose authentic tweed you buy into the heritage and lifestyle of a garment and the guarantee that it will become a cherished vintage piece of the future.

J Crew designers “paired two hues of plaids from a top British fabric house to create a luxe mix of pattern and texture in tailored silhouettes” Both 100% wool! Tweed Topcoat (left) here and Tweed Colorblock Topcoat (right) here.

Ralph Lauren ~ Tweed Burton Coat (left) 100% Wool Made in Italy ~ “This warm tweed topper gives your ensemble a vintage appeal with its velvet collar and genuine horn buttons.

Ralph Lauren ~ “Made in Italy, our vintage-inspired Harrison coat (right)  or here, is reminiscent of a tuxedo jacket in thornproof wool, a fine, compact fabric traditionally used for English riding coats.

LiBErty FREEdom Libertine Jacket in Mosside Tweed ~ available at British online retailer ~ Country Attire. The LiBErty Freedom collection is designed in the UK and made of 100% British cloth. It is by far my most favorite British collection. The line is synonymous with contemporary styling and their use of luxe brocades and flamboyant fluorescent linings. Country Attire offer a huge range of LiBErty FREEdom and best of all they ship to the USA free of charge!

Last but by no means least is this gorgeous option from the Queen of British fashion ~ Vivienne Westwood. “This Foggy High-Collar Tweed Coat was seen on the Red Label Autumn/Winter 2012-13 Catwalk Show. Uniquely blended with more cashmere allows the utmost comfort due to the softness and lightness of the fabric” 95% Wool and available at Miss Westwood’s online boutique. Similar at Net-a-Porter here.

The post True Tweed Toppers! The Real Deal on Authentic Tweed! appeared first on Scenes of Style.

The humble cape, once again, takes centre stage….a continuation of the limelight it has enjoyed for the last few years. This season, black is the must-have color while the addition of leather trim is a key feature. With the advent of colder weather, several celebrities have been spotted wearing capes in various style modes but it was with the gorgeous Gwen Stefani and eternal trendsetter, Kate Moss, that I found inspiration.

Gwen’s chic ensemble of coordinated graphic separates, sleek heels and officer style cap certainly satisfies her more adventurous aesthetic while Kate leans towards laid-back monotone in that thrown-together vibe for which she is so well known. Whether you veer to Gwens polish or Kates grunge there is no denying the lynchpin to both styles is the cape!  Shop the looks below!

Shop Gwens Style Menu

1. 3.1 Phillip Lim Houndstooth Pullover.

2. LK Bennett ‘Sledge’ Pumps 

3. Calvin Klein Wool Cape 

4. Ribbon Conductor Hat 

5. Kut From The Cloth Plaid Pants 

Shop Kates Style Menu

1. Chan Luu Tassel Necklace

2. Mih Marrakesh Jeans

3. Rachel Zoe Cape

4. Tom Ford Sunglasses

5. Mulberry Bayswater Tote

6. Michael Kors Shailyn Wedge Booties

The post Cape Crusaders! How To Wear This Seasons Cape! appeared first on Scenes of Style.