Lululemon Wunder Under crops – $68
SoLow Eclon crops – $51
James Perse Yoga capris – $95

I have resisted Lululemon for the longest time, not so much because of the price (which is a consideration), but mostly because I am not really one to follow the herd when it comes to fashion. Even exercise gear. And Lululemon is a RELIGION here, among college students, yoga moms…nearly everyone actually. Not a day goes by when I don’t see so much Lululemon it makes my head spin (and not just in my PureBarre class…). So, even though I’ve tried to resist the temptation, I decided to hop into the store and try to find a pair of cropped leggings for my class. And now I’m hooked.

Let me say first though, that I don’t mind spending money on exercise clothing – and that’s always served me well. About 6 years ago I bought several pairs of Lucy running pants and knee shorts (which aren’t cheap either) and have worn them daily since then. Now, they’re a little worn, and a little big and since I’m going to a class every day, I wanted something much more form-fitting and a little “nicer” looking. Basically, I wanted something to suck me in and smooth out my bumps. And the Wunder Unders by Lululemon do that well.

I also have the SoLow crops pictured and linked above (got them via Refinery29 Reserve last week) and like those as well, not as much as the Lululemons though. The SoLow crops are higher-waisted, which I personally don’t like as much, but you might, and didn’t wick away the sweat as well as the Lululemons. They are comfortable though, and easy to move in, so I’ll keep them in rotation. They’re a good alternative for a little less money than the wunder unders, but I would recommend spending the extra $17 for Lululemon.

I do have a pair of the James Perse Yosemite yoga shorts (shorter than the capris pictured above, purchased via Gilt) and they’re great, but a little big, so they don’t suck me in as much as I’d like. They’re the most comfortable of all of them though, it’s like you’re not even wearing anything. I’d obviously recommend those also, but they’re much more than Lululemon.

Ultimately, I’m glad I tried Lululemon, but I won’t turn into a crazy person and purchase everything they make. I do highly recommend the wunder under crops, and I think I may purchase a pair of the regular wunder under pants and get them hemmed to my ankle to wear as actual leggings in the winter because they’re so comfortable (the astro pants are nice also, they’re more of a straight leg). Incidentally, because I’m short, the crops come to just a few inches above my ankle, which is good for exercise, but I wouldn’t wear them out in public like that.

What do you think? Do you spend money on exercise clothing? What have you found that fits you the best? Are you a Lululemon convert?

(click on the image for a larger view, and to zoom)

It pains me to do this, but I don’t carry my Alexander Wang Donna bag very much anymore, and I really hate for it to just sit around (in it’s bag of course). The Donna was my first Alexander Wang bag, and it’s actually one of the very first bags he designed. I’ve had it for several years, and it’s been well used, but that’s only made it more soft and interesting. This bag has perforated leather trim/details, including underneath the front-to-back zipper. There is some denim staining on the back of the bag, but when it’s zipped up, it’s barely noticeable. Comes with a dustbag.

Outfits featuring Donna: 1 2 3 4 5

I’m asking $300 + shipping ($15 USPS priority mail) for it – US shipping only. It’ll be available until 5/24 and I’m happy to answer questions or send more pictures if you leave a comment. Please help me find Donna a good home

And since we’re on the subject of selling, I AM going to launch a marketplace here for select designers/items and that will probably happen next week. Of course, I’ll keep you posted. I’m not promising anything, just offering an alternative way to sell your gently used Rachel Comey shoes, No6 Clogs or whatever. My role is just to act as a billboard – I will NOT be held responsible for ANY problems. Hopefully there won’t be any!

Tom Bins safety pin earrings – $322 at Zoe
Razor necklace at Kirna Zabete
Screw bracelet by A.L.C. – $395 at Barney’s Co-Op
Screw top ring by A.L.C. – $125 at Barney’s Co-Op
Boyfriend chain bracelet by Bing Bang – $75 at Charm & Chain
Knotted nail ring by A.L.C. – $84 at Azalea (20% off with code GRECHEN20)
Hexagon Ring by Mociun – $357 at Mociun

I love edgy jewelry. Up until recently, that’s been mostly spikes, thorns or skulls, but lately hardware-inspired jewelry is making a comeback. A.L.C. pretty much devoted their whole line of jewelry this season to hardware styles: screw tops, bent nails, handcuffs – and Cartier’s iconic Juste un Clou rings and bracelets have been around since the 70′s, but have been re-issued this year.

My favorite pieces are A.L.C.’s twisted nails (which, unfortunately are also painful, according to a friend who had and returned the knotted nail ring) this season, but I always love the simplicity of Mociun’s jewelry, and Tom Binns takes the lowly safety pin to new levels with his crystal earrings. What do you think? Are you wearing hardware-inspired jewelry this season?

What’s your favorite piece?

Yes, I know I JUST posted a Refinery29 Reserve deal on Friday, but this one is SO GOOD, and bird sells ALL OF MY FAVORITE DESIGNERS (except James Perse, shame…) like Repetto, Rachel Comey, Isabel Marant, No6, Comme des Garcons…

So through May 20 via Refinery29 Reserve, spend $100 and get $200 to use at bird. I’d actually buy and use this IMMEDIATELY because just browsing around, I noticed that lots of sizes are already sold out. If you don’t already have a pair of shoes by Repetto, Rachel Comey or NO6, here are my guidelines on sizing:

Repetto – size up one size. If you’re an 8 get a size 39.
Rachel Comey – true to size
No6 – this is tricky, but for closed clogs I go a size up, and for sandals, I take my regular size. But some people seem to have problems with No6 being very narrow, so if your foot is wide, size up for all clogs.

Refinery29 Reserve isn’t too shabby lately: this newest one is for Eaton Trading Company (who has LOTS of Clare Vivier bags) and if you spend $100 you get $200 or spend $150 and get $300 to spend on all sorts of goodies!! I have credits on Refinery29 Reserve, so I ended up with this Clare Vivier small messenger bag and a Demy Lee gray sweater (obviously I needed another gray sweater ).

What are you getting?

1 Rebecca Taylor Sandals at Hampden Clothing – $225
2 Altuzarra Perforated Leather skirt at Net-a-Porter -$1230
3 Madewell Booties – $358
4 Banana Republic tote – $120
5 Jas M.B. wristlet – $175
6 Rag & Bone top – $895

I LOVE perforated leather; my Alexander Wang donna bag has perforated leather trim on it and I have a pair of black perforated leather Repetto BB flats. I just think it adds a little something interesting and unexpected to an otherwise “normal” piece of clothing, bag or pair of shoes. What do you think? Do you have anything with perforated leather? Will you buy into the “trend” this Spring?

1 Alexander Wang Rocco – $895
2 Clare Vivier Clutch – $156
3 Matt & Nat Vegan bag – $125
4 Baggubag leather bag – $120
5 Maison Martin Margiela – $470
6 Rebecca Minkoff – $195 (get it cheaper via Refinery29 Reserve)
7 Jas M.B. at Barney’s Co-Op – $615
8 Zara Clutch – $49.90

Ah…White bags for Summer. They always show-up and editors rave about them, but would you ever carry a white bag? I never have (unless it’s canvas), but I’m really tempted this year. The only thing that’s holding me back is that I don’t wear a lot of color, so I usually rely on my handbags to bring some “interest” to my outfits. A white bag might blend in a bit too much! I do love the idea though, white accessories are so “clean” – until they’re not. Which is another problem, how do you keep them from looking grungy by the end of the Summer??

What do you think? are white handbags a yay? or nay? Do you like them, but won’t carry one? Why not?

(see more of my favorite white bags on Pinterest)

1 Zara – $14.90
2 Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent at Shopbop – $215
3 Stylemint – $29 (sold out)
4 Roam at Otte – $138
5 Anthropologie – $88
6 Ella Moss at Piperlime – $98
7 Soft Joie at Nordstrom – $94

I remember seeing an Equipment blouse with cut-out shoulders last year and finding it very intriguing. Now, the “cold shoulder” top is everywhere, at every price point. I like them because I can get the feel of a sleeveless top without actually having to GO sleeveless (as I’m not a lover of my upper arms…). And as you can see from the images above, there are lots of variations, from a simple tee with most of the upper arm exposed, to a blouse with just a cut-out at the shoulder.

I actually have the Stylemint tee in pink (which is now sold out). I haven’t worn it a lot – it’s pink – but I do like it. It’s simple and comfortable, good for wearing when it’s very hot outside. My favorite top of the bunch above is the Soft Joie version at Nordstrom, because of the drape. And I tend to like a little more sleeve…

Which is your favorite? Do you own a cold-shoulder top? Do you plan on buying one?

1 Nine West at Piperlime – $79
2 Born at Nordstrom – $134.95
3 Sam Edelman at Endless – $100
4 Eileen Fisher at Nordstrom – $245
5 Pour la Victoire at Endless – $205 (use code SPRING20 for 20% off)
6 Marni at Net-a-Porter – $925

Generally, when I see block heels or any sort of chunky heel, I think 90′s, and that is NOT a good thing. Now, though, chunky heels are on more “delicate” shoes, not the big, clunky platforms of the 90′s, and that IS a good thing. Basically, they’re growing on me. And my desire for a pair of block-heel sandals was cemented yesterday when I saw a pair (I am nearly 100% certain they were the Sam Edelman pair) on a woman at Barney’s Co-Op. They were fabulous, she was fabulous, and her hair was fabulous. So fabulous, I’m copying it today – I’m going to her hairdresser to get my hair cut JUST LIKE HERS. No, maybe not exactly, but close.

Anyway, I like the new crop of 60′s, mod-inspired block heel sandals because they’re minimal, but they make an impact. And the heel is low enough to be easy to walk in, but still give you some height; I especially love the pairs with metallic heels by Sam Edelman and Pour La Victoire. They’re nearly identical, except for heel height – and price. Given that, I’ll probably go for the Sam Edelman pair if I get one.

Which ones are your favorites? How do you feel about the new crop of chunky heels? Will you buy a pair for Spring?

Check out more of my favorite block/chunky heels on Pinterest. (are you following me yet?)

What do you think of all the wide-leg silk trousers that are popping up everywhere? Will you be buying a pair? I actually love the look, but generally, I’d rather wear a long silk skirt than trousers. I think the new crop of trousers are beautiful though, coming in so many colors (mostly pastel) and patterns (floral, stripes…), and they’re pretty versatile if you can wear them without getting them dirty…

Which pair do you like better above? This? or That? Which pair do you think is more expensive? Which pattern do you prefer?

p.s. See more of my favorite wide-leg trousers on Pinterest