The Power of Accessories

In my opinion, accessories make an outfit.  A bold printed scarf, studded heels, or a rhinestone encrusted bracelet can really make a statement and express how you're feeling that day.  I love experimenting with different types of jewelry, scarves, shoes, etc, but I have a few staple accessories that I wear every day.  I can't leave my apartment without these essentials:

• Gold bangle bracelets
• Gold hammered stacking rings
• Pearl earrings
• Tiny star necklace
• 'Berry Naughty' Essie polish (for fall/winter)

Today I added a new item to my accessory staples list - a watch.  As a busy girl balancing school, work, and a social life, knowing the time is obviously vital.  So many people these days rely on their cell phones for the time, but there's something classic and refined about a woman wearing a watch, don't you think?

I chose this gold Michael Kors watch because it's simple yet chic - the perfect every day watch.
The watch is available here.

What do you think of my new purchase?  What are your accessory essentials?

Kisses!

xo, H

Innovation

A few weeks ago, I was browsing through the racks at Forever 21 and came across this Aztec printed bandage skirt ..

I liked the print and it was only $8, so I thought what the heck and bought it without trying it on.  Mistake.  Friday night I was getting ready to go out for drinks with some friends, and I pulled it out of my closet and ripped the tags off. Another mistake.  Surprise surprise, it didn't fit.  As I was about to take it off and toss it back in my closet, I paused.  I wasn't ready to give up on it just yet.

I shimmied it up over my hips and voila - a tube top! I'm super petite (I'm barely 5 feet tall), so the length was perfect for my small torso.  Below is a picture of me wearing the skirt/shirt ...

What do you think of my "innovation"?  Have you ever worn an item of clothing in an unexpected way? 

Can't wait to hear from you :) 

Kisses!

xo, H

Parisian Dreams

Every winter, my family goes on a vacation to a place we've never been before.  We all vote on the place, but ultimately my parents make the final decision.

Here's where we've been the past 5 years:

• Hawaii
• Mexico
• St. Thomas
• Dominican Republic
• Barbados

See a pattern?  Now, I'm not complaining.  Traveling to these beautiful beaches is amazing.  Most of my days are usually spent tanning by the pool sipping a pina colada.  It's the kind of vacation that most people want.  But each year my parents ask for my vote, my response is the same - PARIS.  

I've been in love with Paris for as long as I can remember.  I used to print out pictures of the Eiffel Tower and tape them all over the room.  Audrey Hepburn's quote "Paris is always a good idea" is still hanging above my desk.  And I can never get enough of those Gossip Girl season 4 episodes when Serena and Blair are in Paris.  Is it normal to be so obsessed with a city you've never been to?

As an avid fashion lover, I guess my fascination with Paris is really no surprise.  Chanel, YSL, Dior, Givenchy... the list of Parisian couture houses goes on and on.  After all, what city is more fashionable and glamorous than Paris? (NYC don't worry, I still love you too!)  

< house of Dior

Lucky for me, my school offers a semester study abroad program at the American University of Paris. Right now I am in the process of applying, so keep your fingers crossed for me!  It would be an absolute dream.  

Have you been to Paris?  Tell me all about it so I can live vicariously through your adventures.  I'll keep you updated on my application process!  

Au revoir!

Kisses!

xo, H

P.S. HAPPY HALLOWEEN :)

Rainy Daze

Hurricane Sandy is slamming the East Coast, but luckily I am still one of the few buildings in Manhattan with power!

This weather got me thinking about rainy day fashion.

I can't tell you how many girls I see looking flawless when it's bright and sunny, but as soon as it starts raining it's hoodies, sweatpants, and Uggs.

Just because the weather is crappy doesn't mean you have to look crappy too.  The world is our runway, and we deserve to look and feel fabulous every day!

The key to rainy day fashion is looking chic, while also staying dry.  The wet dog look is so 2008.

Here's an instagram photo I took of my outfit last week on a rainy NYC day:

[Trench coat: Zara, Boots: Burberry]

So what are the rainy day essentials, you may ask?  

1) Trench coat

2) Rain boots

3) Umbrella

Let's start with the trench coat.  Obviously you need something to keep that fabulous shirt you're wearing dry.  Enter the trench coat.  It's chic.  It's practical.  What more could you ask for?  When I went to England last year, it rained pretty much the entire duration of my trip.  I took a tip from the locals and invested in a trench coat, and I am so glad I did.  Finding the perfect trench coat can be challenging.  Personally I love the classic camel color, but if you're feeling brave then go for a bold color like red!  I recommend one with a belt to cinch your waist.  Here are some of my top picks:

Zara, $99

Michael Kors, $225

H&M, $50

Alice and Olivia, $697

Topshop, $129

The next essential is rain boots.  While your legs might look great in sky high stilettos, they won't look so hot covered in bruises after you take a slip on the wet pavement.  Trust me- rain boots are the way to go when you're walking around outside (you can always throw a pair of heels in your bag to put on when you arrive at your destination).  Last year I invested in a sturdy pair of Burberry rain boots, and I couldn't be happier with them.  They keep my feet dry, and naturally you can't go wrong with Burberry - the queen of rainy day fashion.  And for you daring fashionistas out there, they even have heeled rain boots!  

Burberry, $225.... I recommend these!

Hunter's, $135

Hunter's, $195

Marc by Marc Jacobs, $195

Obviously an umbrella is key when it's raining.  Since I have a habit of losing umbrellas I tend to stick to the plain black $7 umbrellas from the street vendors, but there are so many fun umbrella designs out there to choose from.  

Burberry, $295

Coach, $58

Kate Spade, $55

Barney's, $130

Topshop, $28

What do you normally wear on rainy days?  I'd love to hear from you!

Don't forget to follow me on twitter: @LeFabeFemme and instagram: @h_reinhardtx !

Stay dry everyone!

** Obviously this rainy day gear is for when it's not hurricane weather.  For those of you in the NYC area- don't go outside!

Kisses!

xo, H

Trend Alert- Skull Scarves

Since Halloween is just around the corner, I thought I'd do a feature on a sPoOoOkY trend I've been seeing a lot of - skull printed scarves.

Back several years ago when I was in middle school, skulls were solely worn by the goth emo kids.  I remember this one girl in my class, Megan, who dyed her hair jet black, wore black lipstick and nail polish, and had tons of chunky skull jewelry.  At a school where the girls lived in Abercrombie jeans and Tiffany charm bracelets, and slathered their lips with pink Lancome Juicy Tubes, Megan clearly stood out.  Rumors swirled that Megan was obsessed with death and performed sacrificial rituals on her pets (oh, middle school girls).  

Little did we know, Megan was ahead of her time.  Nowadays, black nail polish is considered chic, not gothic - just take Chanel's top selling Black Satin polish.  And wearing a skull bracelet doesn't mean you are morbid or emo, it means you are edgy and stylish. 

So where did this trend come from?  When did a look that was once associated with death and darkness become fashionable?  I can't say for sure, but Alexander McQueen certainly played a huge part in the rise of this look.  Known for his creative and avant-gard styles, McQueen's styles broke social norms.  From his unique tailoring to extreme silhouettes, McQueen's runway shows shocked the fashion world.  

Despite such a tragic death, McQueen's legacy lives on.  His signature skull scarf is a celebrity must-have- Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan, Johnny Depp, and Cameron Diaz are among the many stars who have been spotted wearing this iconic piece.  

While I would looooove to buy the McQueen skull scarf, my budget just won't allow (especially since I cracked my iPhone this weekend and now have to pay to replace it- oops!).  Lucky for me, and many of you other fashionistas out there on a budget, stores like Topshop and Brandy Melville have designed affordable versions of this sought after accessory.  YAY!! 

Topshop, $35

Brandy Melville, $25

Zara, $25

ASOS, $21

What do you think of the skull scarf trend?  

To those of you out there in the NYC area - stay safe!  Since my classes were cancelled, I'll be spending my day in bed watching the Real Housewives marathon :)

Kisses!

xo, H

This Semester Thus Far

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I've been so insanely busy this past semester and haven't had much time at all to blog.  I really miss it!  So I'm trying my best to get back in the blogosphere  :)  To fill you guys in, here's some photos of my nights out in NYC.  It's rare to have a night when I'm not super exhausted, so when I do I make sure to enjoy it!

Anyway, I better get myself to the grocery store to stock up for the upcoming storm!  Be safe everyone!

And don't forget to follow me on twitter: @h_reinhardtx and on instagram @h_reinhardtx!    

Kisses!

xo, H

Attitude By Jeanne

Hello darlings!  As always, I apologize for disappearing for a few weeks- I have been SO busy with school this semester!  

I recently started working for jewelry designer Jeanne Hudson-Gonzalez.  Her main store, Attitude by Jeanne, is in the East Village.   I am working in her booth at Urban Space, an outdoor shopping center in Meatpacking.

Jeanne's style is unique- "I've never liked being part of the norm," she says. "I always had to be a bit different and that is reflected in my jewelry designs".

Each piece of Jeanne's jewelry collection is individually handcrafted ensuring that no two are exactly alike.  She uses all sterling silver and 14K gold.

Jeanne says she is inspired by nature and movement.  Her signature pieces (pictured below) are the kinetic rings, birds nest cuff, branch cuff, and freeform cuff.

I prefer gold over silver, and I'm begging Jeanne to make more gold plated and gold filled designs!  She sells solid gold, but it's super expensive (a bracelet costs $800!).  

So, if you're in Manhattan be sure to stop at Urban Space in Meatpacking (13th and 10th) or Attitude by Jeanne in the East Village.  Also, check out Jeanne's website where you can view all her amazing creations:  http://www.attitudebyjeanne.com/

What do you think of Jeanne's designs?  Do you have a favorite jewelry designer?

Kisses!

xo, H