The Tilde Collection

Hidden gem: Kenny Crochet Poncho in Olive - $165

While looking for light sweater to wear to a charity event tomorrow evening, I came across something even better.  A vintage inspired piece, this crocheted poncho is so elegant, light, and easy.  It’s almost like a unique basic and could probably go with almost anything.  Also, it’s one size only will ensure a different look on every single body type- so you can relax when your friend asks if she could buy the poncho too.

Kenny Crochet Poncho - $165

Try this look:

Click on image for more product information.

Photos: Luxist

If you want your watch to make a statement (at the gym), ask for the limited edition Casio G-Shock Mini Deco-G for Christmas.  Should the blanket of hand-selected Swarovski crystals not do it for you, perhaps the pink metallic dial against the white case and strap will.  Though this watch has its fancy face on compared to G-Shock’s other watches for women, be rest assured that it still functions just the same.  In addition to the standard time, date, and DLS indicator, the Deco-G also includes a 48 city world timer, stopwatch, countdown timer, 5 daily alarms, and a solid backlight. The watch is also 100 meters water resistant, and highly shock resistant.  Available only at Bloomingdale’s in Manhattan (at $200).  For more information visit gshockmini.com.

Alicia Keys has teamed up with Canadian designer Gisele Theriault to launch a jewelry line called The Barber’s Daughters. The collection features silver and gemstone pieces inscribed with quotes and poetry from iconic figures such as Gandhi, Buddha and Shakespeare.  From the photos I’ve seen, I’m kind of mixed about the line so far- the huge cuff bracelet is great but some of the necklaces come off as a bit bulky in hardware for my taste.

The collection debuted in New York this week and goes on sale in 2010.  It is currently being sold through Collette Blanchard Gallery in a temporary “pop-up” shop on Manhattan’s lower east side.   Ranging from necklaces and earrings, to watches, cuffs and bracelets, pieces are priced from $85 to $2,500.

Photos: WWD

Some ideas for when your night begins before the sun sets.  Click image for product info.

Yesterday at work, while slaving away at an analysis for our upcoming Olympic outfitting sponsorship, an Outlook invitation for our company holiday party appeared on my computer screen and others throughout the office.  Now I find holiday parties slightly annoying since you’re always walking the fine line between what’s acceptable and unacceptable with everything: how much should you drink, what you can wear, who you can dance with, can you even dance like that?  And while most of these questions answer themselves on the night of, what you show up in is the one thing you can only blame on yourself.

Obviously guidelines differ depending on what industry you work in and I must say that working at a fashion company does have its advantages when coming to these kinds of things; generally speaking, we can wear pretty much anything to work so long as it can be considered fashionable.  That being said, understandable should the following not fly at your company’s holiday party, but you’re lying if that’s the only party outfit you have to plan for this December.

I love J.Crew’s Silk Taffeta Belted Short because it can drive so many looks for the holidays this year.  And despite being from J.Crew, you can be pretty sure that no one else will show up wearing the same thing as you.

For a more formal look, contrast it with the go-to party color.  Pair it with a black shirt and blazer on top (like the J.Crew Silk Tiered Cami and Elizabeth and James Black James Blazer shown here), textured or lace tights (i.e. Spanx Tight-End Tights in Houndstooth), and black booties (try Kimchi Blue’s Suede Bootie from Urban Outfitters).  As for jewelry, try a statement necklace (like J.Crew’s Glass Cube Necklace) and colorful earrings to bring it back to the shorts (i.e. Lord & Taylor Sterling Silver Champagne).

If you’re trying for a more mainstream holiday outfit, try layering with more festive colors.  Start with a simple white or beige button-down (like J.Crew’s Fan Placket Perfect Shirt) under another festive colored button-down like green, blue, etc.  The Joie Ruffled Plaid Shirt comes in a handful of colors but you can find these kinds of shirts anywhere (and don’t forget to tuck them in!).  Tights or no tights, up to you, but gold shoes (i.e. Christian Louboutin Metallic Pump) and jewelry to match (like Kate Spade’s Park Avenue Pearl Huggie Hoops and J.Crew’s Crystal-and-Pearl Pastiche Necklace) is all you need to complete this holiday ensemble.

Mucho thanks to my friend AB for introducing these shorts to me.  Some business casual holiday attire to follow as December creeps closer, stand by-

When you don’t feel like dressing up, then don’t.  A big necklace with a basic tee is classy, trendy, and might be the easiest way to complete an outfit and make it your own.  Invest more in a necklace you love— a basic top can always be bought cheap.  But do tread lightly- big and bold is world’s different from borderline tacky no matter who makes the jewels.

1. J.Crew Molten-Metallic Tissue Tank, $42 / Gemma Redux Blue Agate and Chain Necklace, $382

2.  Old Navy Women’s Ruffled Slub-Knit Polos, On Sale $9.99 / Ben-Amun Pewter and Pink Glass Pearl Necklace, $160

3. James Perse Casual T Mini Jersey, $50 / Anthropologie Crystalline Globe Necklace $238

4. J.Crew Slub cotton silk streamers tank, $32.50 / House of Harlow 1960 14kt Yellow Gold Plated 6 Strand Bead Necklace, $215

Everything personal: A. Kacey K 14k Gold and Diamond Initial Necklace ($1395) / B. Roberto Coin ‘Tiny Treasure’ Initial Necklace ($380) / C. Christie Martin Old English Necklace in Gold ($135) / D. Lori Bonn Initial Pendant Necklace ($68) / E. Helen Ficalora Alphabet Pendant in gold ($105) / F. Helen Ficalora Alphabet Pendant in silver ($50) / G. Initial Disc Necklace Personalized Hand Stamped ($24) / H. Zoe Chicco Personalized Yellow Gold Script Initial Necklace ($225) / I. Gorjana Alphabet Charm Necklace ($50) / J. Diane Yang blue shell initial necklace ($40) / K. Ariel Gordon Initial Pendant ($300) / L. Adina Reyter Initial Necklace ($125) / M. West Avenue Small Initial Silver Necklace ($85) / N. Erica Anenberg Gold Initial Necklace ($38) / O. David Yurman Cable Collectible Initial Necklace From The Cable Collectibles™ Collection ($595) / P. Anna Lou of London Initial Necklace (£19.99) / R. Zoe Chicco Round Engraved Initial Necklace ($466) / S. Sonya Renee 14K Square Gold Initial Pendant ($225) / T. Zoe Chicco Personalized Gold Letter Necklace ($233) / V. Juicy Couture Initial Wish Necklace ($48) / X. Diane Yang Grey Shell Initial Necklace ($40)