Sarah Jessica Parker’s BITTEN Collection

When Sarah Jessica Parker launched her BITTEN fashion line this summer, I thought I was losing my hearing when she announced that everything in the collection is under $20.  Available exclusively at Steve and Barry’s stores, the BITTEN collection largely reflects Sarah Jessica Parker’s personal style and offers everything from jeans to suit separates.  Sweaters, tops, jackets, dresses, bags, jewelry, and shoes are also part of the collection and range in size from XS-XXL in tops, 0-22 in bottoms, and 5-11 in shoes.  Why did Parker name the collection BITTEN?  Apparently, Parker was "bitten by the Steve and Barry’s bug" the first time she walked into a Steve and Barry’s store and her reaction subsequently became the name of the collection.  I, for one, am grateful to Sarah Jessica Parker for designing a fashionable, wearable, yet affordable collection accessible to all women.  Who doesn’t love a bargain? Get ‘bitten’ by Sarah Jessica Parker’s new BITTEN fall collection at a Steve and Barry’s near you.   

Jumpers vs. Rompers

Jumpers always make me think of my first day of kindergarten when my mom put me in a pink corduroy jumper with a white blouse underneath.  The jumper had straps- very similar to those on overalls, except the bottom was a skirt.  It also had pockets, and I loved it.  In the U.K., jumpers are what we would call sweaters.  Either way, it’s a cool word for various items of clothing.  Just make sure you don’t look like the 60-something woman who played the piano at my cousin’s high school graduation.

A romper, on the other hand, is more like a playsuit.  In short, this is a loose, light-fitting one-piece garment, similar to a jumper in that the top is attached to the bottom.  The main difference is that the bottoms are usually shorts and they may be gathered (like a fancier version of the onesie underclothes, which newborns may wear).  All in all, the romper is a fairly practical item as far as physical activity is concerned- unless you need to you the bathroom in which case you better hope you’re not in a hurry since you need to practically undress.  Rompers have had a recent comeback among the hipster elite and A-list celebs, but there’s no reason why six-months-from-now, people won’t be saying you look like an overgrown, skanky extra from Barney.

A Chic Package of Brazilian Goodness

Images of Brazil’s eclectic culture and vibe keep swimming in my head when I see the work of one of the country’s greatest exports: Alexandre Herchcovitch. He has been designing clothing that speaks the language of urban fashionistas in a simple, candy coated way. This tank by Herchcovitch would be the perfect cover over a swimsuit or as part of a vacation wardrobe. Made out of crinkle silk chiffon, this tank is so airy and light that you can ever layer without melting away in the process. Priced at $128, the Silk Chiffon Tank W/ Red Triangle will soon find its way into your hands.

Suits Up

Who doesn’t love the dress and jacket suit ensembles that Christian Lacroix sends down the runway every Haute Couture season? So en vogue! Wearing a set would be sure to impress those who need to be impressed or for those days when you just feel like being fancy. However, you can have a more modern and simple set for a fraction of the price of Lacroix’s genius. Zambesi’s jacket and dress is exquisite when paired together, but that is not the only option you have; the rendezevous cropped jacket, $569, would look great with a pair of skinny jeans, a great simple top, and heels for a laidback cocktail. The matching corkscrew dress, $489, is simply chic when paired with a pair of Karen Walker sunglasses, perfect for work or a Sunday brunch.

Jennifer Print Mesh Top

These ‘Jennifer‘ print mesh shirts by Weston Wear have been catching my eye for some time now. Full of color, yet not too crass, and is suitable for summer events with 3-quarter sleeves. It can be used to dress up or down and is appropriate for both work and for play. If that gives you an excuse to buy two of them, then so be it.

Priced at $88.00