The 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli bag is a longtime fashion industry favorite. With its simple silhouette, double zip detail, and signature clasp closure, it's a chic addition to any outfit. You've likely spotted one on the arm of your favorite fashion blogger or celebrity. September 18, 2019 update - Shop the Phillip Lim for Target Pashli bag dupe:
Shop pre-loved PhillipLim Pashli bags:
With its $695 to $1000+ price points, it may not be an affordable option for everyone. If you missed out on the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection in the fall of 2013, no worries. Fortunately, there are a few Pashli look alike styles that evoke the same stylish look for less.
See more stylish accessories on my Pinterest boards. This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.
Fashion trends may come and go, but one thing remains the same - my love of footwear. Sure, I love handbags, jewelry, and apparel, but it's always been the shoes that get my heart racing. So it's with great enthusiasm that I visit FNPlatform at MAGIC Market Week twice per year to browse the endless array of shoes, talk trends with the sales reps, discover new brands, and scout emerging trends. For spring and fall 2015, five key footwear trends have emerged from the crowd to dominate the season. 1. Greige Days - Neutrals are rarely big news when it comes to shoes, but this season, the grey-meets-beige color became a recurring theme at the booths I visited. What makes it feel fresh is the addition of embellishments such as studs, buckles, fringe, and animal textures. Clockwise, from top left: Schutz, Pour La Victoire, Koolaburra, and Dumond.
Shop neutral hues:
2. Simple finishes and stylish studs - Raw edges and flat studs made an understatement on ankle boots and pumps, giving footwear a modern edge and a decidedly more sophisticated vibe compared to the aggressive studs and spikes from recent seasons. Clockwise, from top left: Koolaburra, Michael Antonio, Stephanie Classic, and Michael Antonio.
3. On the Fringe - With the revival of 1970s inspiration, as well as Western influences, fringe is adorning just about everything this spring and fall. Look for fringe to carry over into 2016 as well. It adds tons of flair to suede ankle boots as well as heeled sandals. Clockwise, from top left: Schutz, Stephanie Classic, Lilly's Closet, and Koolaburra.
Shop fringe footwear:
4. Are You Kitten Me? - Somewhere between vertiginous heels and sensible flats lies the chic and demure kitten heel. A variety of slingbacks, strappy pumps, and rocker-worthy ankle boots got the kitten heel treatment in myriad finishes and textures. Styling note - they're perfect for pairing with dark skinny jeans and pencil skirts. Clockwise, from top left: Pour La Victoire, Lilly's Closet, Schutz, and Ukies.
Shop kitten heels:
5. Time to Shine - Metallic materials, glitter, and glossy finishes reigned supreme on everything from oxfords and pumps to killer ankle boots. Clockwise, from top left: Stephanie Classic, Ukies, Lilly's Closet, and Michael Antonio.
Kohl's must be on a roll because I've been popping in to inspect new merchandise this month, and quite a few things have caught my eye. I spent some time browsing the ELLE for Kohl's spring 2015 collection and tried on a few looks for this fitting room review. April 19, 2017 update - See my spring favorites:
The Elle spring collection features preppy, chic prints, lace, florals, and French-inspired motifs. The general vibe for their spring line is feminine, fun, and whimsical.
Sleeveless blouses in bold graphic prints and oversized silhouettes are positioned front and center in the store I visited.
This trompe l'oeil Peter Pan collar sweater might've come home with me. It also comes in mint/black.
Now for the looks I styled in the fitting room. For reference, I tried on XS and 2 in everything. Sizing is true to Kohl's Women's sizes, so if you usually shop in the Juniors department, I advise sizing down. I paired the ELLE super soft striped bow tee (which runs true to size) with ELLE Bermuda shorts for a casual look. On the right, I added the polka dot cardigan (also soft and true to size) for layered, more colorful effect. In the middle, I've got on the graphic print tee, which is slightly sheer and loose. It comes in other artsy prints.
The Eiffel Tower shift dress (which runs big) looked interesting enough on the hanger to get my attention, but not so flattering on me. The shapeless silhouette just wasn't for me, although the pink and red color combo is different from anything I've seen in stores lately.
I liked the floral scuba fit and flare dress much better since it defines the waist and dark florals are more my style. The polyester fabric felt hefty, the length was demure, and the back zipper was easy to manage. Two thumbs up! It's a favorite. See more dresses from the ELLE collection.
The pleated jacquard midi skirt had a feminine and fun feel. My main issue was the flimsy back zipper, which was far too thin for the bulk and weight of the fabric. On the bright side, I adore the textural detail and full silhouette, which make it look more expensive than it is.
I styled the skirt with the graphic tee and floral moto jacket (also from the ELLE collection) to show its versatility.
Watch this space for more fitting room reviews and photo updates as I document spring and summer arrivals during my shopping adventures. For retail reports, coupon codes, trend forecasting info, and sneak peeks of my personal style, catch up with me on Facebook.
Very few footwear styles have reached cult status like the Valentino Rockstud collection. The Valentino Rockstud heels are longtime celebrity and blogger favorites, and with good reason. They come in many colors and styles, and with their gleaming studs and patent leather finish, they strike the right balance between edgy and feminine. Furthermore, they work just as well with casual denim (as shown in red on Blair of Atlantic-Pacific) and shorts (as seen on Olivia Palermo) as they do with chic, flirty skirts (as demonstrated by Emma Stone).
Something about the studded trim has an appeal that's widespread and timeless. There are endless Rockstud styles to choose from. Valentino Rockstud shoes come in a variety of shapes and heel heights, with everything from high heeled pumps to wedges, kitten heels, and comfortable flat sandals. August 24, 2022 updates - Shop Valentino Rockstud shoes:
Shop new Rockstud shoes:
March 25, 2019 update - Shop the best Valentino Rockstud sandal dupes in my new post featuring slides, strappy sandals, thongs, and heeled sandals.
The Real Deal I bought these Valentino Rockstud PVC sandals in powder (poudre). If you're looking for the designer version but don't want to pay $1000, these are a great alternative because they are jelly sandals, and have a price point of under $500. Half the cost, all the style, and those shiny studs! I'm very happy with my purchase because the quality is excellent. The PVC sandals run true to size in length, but because the straps at the toe were snug on me, I went up a size. I'm a U.S. size 7 and went with the 38 so they wouldn't be tight. They also come in black or in water rose (a pretty blush pink).
The Valentino Rockstud Look for Less If you fancy the stylish designer look but don't want to splurge on the $1000+ designer price tag, there are many Valentino Rockstud replicas and dupes to choose from that are well under $100. Choose fromhigh heeled versions, more demure heels, and ballet flats. Here is how to get the Rockstud look for less.
March 31, 2019 update - I bought these Rockstud gladiator sandal dupes pictured below for under $50. They run true to size in length, but if your feet are wide, I'd go half a size up. They comes in many colors and styles, including: black, gold, red, white, rainbow, black patent, thong styles, and mule styles. They have thin soles with light cushioning in the ball of the foot, and the studs look as shiny as the designer versions. They're the best Valentino Rockstud sandal dupes I've seen online.
March 27, 2019 update - Shop studded sandals under $70:
June 12, 2018 update - I just bought these studded flat sandals pictured below on Amazon for under $50. They come in many colors and styles, run true to size, and have a lightly padded footbed. The studs are more shiny in person, making them look more expensive. They are made of synthetic materials, so the straps and buckles are a bit stiff when you first put them on. Otherwise, I'm happy with them and I'm thinking of buying another pair in natural. If your feet are wide, I'd go up a size.
