CITYist

You know you’ve spotted it on the runway and whether you’re going to your ski cabin in Colorado or flying to the Alps, the Lily Twist bag from the D&G fall/winter accessories collection will keep all of your essentials safe from the snow. With beautiful fox fur and adorable charms, we think the Lily Twist bag should be this winter’s “It bag”. Stylish, soft and efficient, it’s something you will want to pack in your suitcase next to your boyfriend’s ski wear for this winter’s vacation.

If you’re the type who not only avoids eating animals, but wearing them too (yes, that includes leather), then you’ve probably already heard of pioneer vegan accessory brand Matt & Nat. But for the rest of us, recognition might be less forthcoming. Even if you’re a red-blooded, fur-wearing carnivore, however, there’s something to be desired here: style, plain and simple. With handbags and wallets made with no animal by products, Matt & Nat’s trendy, zipper and stud-adorned goods look like the real deal, without the guilt. So you can rock that “leather” chain-strap shoulder bag and spout environmental gospel at the same time. We’re already converted.

World travel is the inspiration behind this fall’s collection of leather handbags by Patricia Nash. Each named for some of the most popular European destinations—Barcelona, Paris, Prague and Milan, for example—the buckle-heavy purses are constructed of vintage Italian leather and perfect for exploring the streets of the cities they represent. Whether you’re into the dipped leather (Barcelona), the flap (see Prague) or the convertible satchel (Milan), each flairs with sophistication and a slightly worn quality that enhances its appeal—all at very affordable prices. (Like, say, under $250.) Pick them up this September in department stores.

Prepare for a new kind of industrial revolution—the kind you can wear on your shoulders and hold in your hands. Wendy Stevens gives women a futuristic alternative with her comprehensive collection of handcrafted metal handbags. Yes, metal. The woven steel yields intriguing designs while managing to retain the brand’s self-described “50s sensibility” with its timeless shapes. Styles range from a strapless evening clutch perfect for a night out (Billfold $340) to a scaled tote that comfortably accommodates all of your essentials (Bib Bag $630). More of our favorite models after the jump.

Like we mentioned yesterday, it seems that natural elements are increasingly finding their way onto the fingers and necks of many a jewelry fan. In Sophie Monet’s collection, the earthy substance of choice is wood. The large carved rings and necklaces feature an array of geometric shapes—triangles, squares, half circles and pentagons, to name a few. But what makes this line especially unique are the ethereal crystals and stones that adorn the pieces; each possesses a translucent, mesmerizing quality that is in stark contrast to the darker wood, physically and conceptually. Tribal, environmental influences mixed with luxury living? We love a good juxtaposition.

Jewelry line Crea-tiff Bijoux goes back to the garden with its use of natural materials to create organic, simple pieces. Created by British-Swiss designer Tiffany Rowe, the line’s Bourgeois collection counts seeds, pebbles and shells amongst its list of materials. While some of the metallic resin rings may bring to mind the ancient Bronze Age, others pre-date humans entirely by resembling the natural materials themselves (it’s no coincidence that the look book was partially shot on the beach, as if the grey pebble rings had miraculously washed up there).

To many, Jackie Kennedy is known as the absolute pinnacle of sophistication and grace. If you ever wondered how much that sophistication is worth, we’re guessing somewhere around the tune of £25,000-35,000 (or about $40,000-55,000). At least, that’s how much Sotheby’s is estimating Jackie O’s simulated three-strand pearl and diamond necklace will go for when its auctioned off August 15th at the “Pioneers of Popular Culture” auction in the UK. The necklace comes in its original box along with a photograph of the former First Lady wearing it. Also for sale is a similar single strand necklace and a pair of simulated pearl and diamond ear-clips. If the word “simulated” is catching your eye, you would be right: these aren’t even real jewels. Jackie’s just worth that much.

Is that an oxymoron? Perhaps, but it’s also the name of a real-life brand licensed by Disney, which has produced a Little Mermaid inspired jewelry line. Yes, you read that right. A cause for derision, or a genius plan that could tap into a veritable goldmine of past girlhood fantasies? That’s up to you to decide, but we have to admit that we’re partial to the shark jaw ring. It’s joined by a shark jaw pendant necklace, a charm bracelet and a pair of trident-inspired hoop earrings in gold plating (sea shells, treasure chests and starfish also make an appearance in the line). Regardless of the childish source material, we have a feeling that the mixture of novelty and nostalgia might convert some non-believers.

Fans of larger than life—not to mention low in price—statement jewelry need not look too much further than the designs of Melody Ehsani. Bold, throwback nameplates, two and three finger baubles and chunky earrings are all big reminders that accessories are meant to be fun and playful, and with gems under $100, you can afford to splurge a bit and stack them up.

Nothing says glamour like a face-engulfing pair of sunglasses. Case and point: Valentino Eyewear. Their newest collection for Autumn 2010 has reintroduced the world to the V-logo while giving it a contemporary spin. The VAL 5749/s model features a seductive shape (think: cat eyes) and is available in tortoiseshell, an ivory frame with tinted lenses and in the ever-so classic black. Meanwhile, the VAL 5750/s model, embodies old Hollywood, with its oversized, rounded shape available in hazelnut or gray striped frames. Put them on and you’ll feel like you should be sipping Limoncello at a café in Positano.

Those who love Pamela Love’s edgy, eclectic jewelry will now be glad to know they’ve got a place to store it. Love has created her first ever handbag, sold exclusively on Revolveclothing’s online outlet, The List. The compact, metallic envelope-style bag is attached to a chain link shoulder strap and comes in cool silver or muted gold, just like Love’s other wares. While the metal detailing adds a touch of punk rock, the sleek coloring makes the bag ideal for the nightlife club circuit. We could think of more than one outfit that would benefit from its brassy flash.

Generally, a leather handbag boutique is the last place you’d expect an art installation. But that’s just what you’ll get when you set foot in Parisian accessory designer Jérôme Dreyfuss’s Broome Street store this summer. Citing Palm Springs as inspiration (the starting point for the current handbag line, as well) artist Julien Gardair took the unlikely medium of masking tape and created an oasis of abstract palm fronds, rays of sunshine and general desert flora and fauna.

By no means are Marvin Watches new to the scene—the Swiss watch house has been producing timeless and luxurious watches for 160 years, and to add to it, this year marks their debut US collection: automatic watches at affordable price points (starting at just $780), as well as quartz options. Sound too good to be true? It’s not. (Oh, and did we mention there’s a women’s collection, too?)

When it comes to fashion and travel, we’ve done our best to keep you in the loop with all things World Cup related: like our Fantasy Football spread, themed polos from Fred Perry and a place to watch it all at Puma’s pop up shop—hell, we even told you where to go if you actually went to the World Cup. And as the end draws near, we leave you with Tod’s “My Colors” bracelets. Just in time for Germany vs. Spain.

The blogosphere has been all abuzz when news broke about this pendant in the shape of Karl Lagerfeld’s head. Now, the plot thickens with busts of Lady Gaga and Michael Jackson joining the arsenal of French brand Nous Sommes (see all after the jump). Featuring Gaga in her peroxide blonde hair bow period and Michael in his “Beat It” period (you can make out the collar of his red and gold leather jacket), the pendants join Uncle Karl in a trifecta of pure pop culture goodness. Will you be rocking any of these?

Summertime brings thoughts of summer camp, where the chief concerns were packed lunches, swim tests and, of course, arts and crafts. And by arts and crafts, we mean beaded jewelry. Your not-quite-successful beaded pieces of yesteryear are now honored by British brand Brokenfab, whose seed-bead works sparkle with craftsmanship, color and nostalgia. Tribal influences play a part, of course, as does the cited inspiration of London club culture—but let’s be honest: us Americans have a few similar pieces sitting in a shoe box somewhere. And while these technicolored cuffs, statement neckpieces and elaborate earrings might blow your feeble attempts out of the water, it’s nice to pay homage to simple pleasures with these not-so-simple beaded treasures.

When the thermometer starts topping 100 and not even an iced coffee will do, it’s time to reassess your fashion options. Of course, the heat and its effects can’t always be avoided, so it’s best to do what any girl would: fight back against the sun with shades and hats, cleverly apply bronzer and wear as few clothes as possible.

Tights have emerged in the past few seasons as a one of fashion’s most imaginative and functional gifts. Now, with a pop of color, a daring pattern or a dash of interesting texture, a girl can take her ensemble to new heights and protect her stems from harsh winter winds. A win/win. No one knows this better than legwear brand Hue, whose collaboration with Milly for Fall includes poppy red tights, sassy fish nets and diamond and polka dot-patterned stockings (now available at department stores and Milly boutiques). The legwear perfectly compliments Milly’s festive, Parisian influenced Fall line.

Don’t be fooled by Pamela Love’s demure name. The jewelry designer creates some fierce pieces—and the prehistoric era seems to be her inspiration, or at least birds and creatures of the reptilian persuasion. Eagle claw rings, crow skull necklaces and snake earrings are set in silvers, bronzes and gunmetals for a paleolithic touch. Tired of girly accessories? Then these science nerd meets stone-age diva pieces might be just the thing.

Partly because Father’s Day is approaching, but mostly because we like them, we’ve put together a selection of D&G watches so large in scope they would satisfy any man. Everyone’s represented here, from a rainbow-colored watch face that resembles a game board (Kanye West), to a weathered leather strap and tortoise-shell frame (Indiana Jones), to a navy rubber strap (Michael Phelps) and finally a slick, shiny time piece (any classic silver fox). Sometimes, men have fewer options when accessorizing—but not in this case. And if you’re planning on going the Father’s Day route with these, you must have a pretty cool dad.

No, it’s not you. This clutch is seriously skewed—in appearance, that is, not in taste. Fashioned with asymmetrical cuts from matte black or metallic calfskin, Viktor and Rolf’s perspective bags add an Alice and Wonderland edge to the classic evening clutch or daytime tote. Available starting in June, all the pieces come with a metal “flower bomb” clasp for a touch of shine. One version in razored metallic pony hair piles texture on top of the visual equation, taking a classic bag and ultimately making it hard to look away—whether out of confusion or admiration. Our bet’s on the latter.

So why did Maya Luz choose to back out of the most recent season of Project Runway? Perhaps it’s because she had less wholesome material to explore. Luz’s latest creations, a line of accessories centered around her “ball and chain” bag, explores “fashism”—the sexual bondage and exploitation of a fashion victim. Not exactly Lifetime material. Nevertheless, these stunning black and white shots of the infinitely creative designs (including one necklace dangling with keys and metal hardware) promise that Luz may be spared the post Runway abyss of anonymity.

In his first ever collaboration with Atelier Swarovski, former CITYist Matthew Williamson goes big. This is not unusual for the British designer known for his gemstone-colored dresses. Except this time, the gemstones (or crystals, we should say) are on necklaces, bracelets, earrings and cuffs. Featuring geometric shapes and large-cut crystals that can be seen from a mile away, the pieces are adorned with nearly every color of the spectrum, creating a visually stunning collection. Each piece is significantly different from the other, yet tied together by abstract florals and graphic shapes–making the line some sort of ethnic boho space odyssey.

Lulu Guinness offers the signature Lips Clutch in nearly every color under the sun—from crimson to silver metallic, neon yellow to a Swarovski crystallized version. Now exclusively for the month of May, you can own an American flag Lips Clutch. It’s a bit shy of the Fourth of July, but Brits have long enjoyed the “Union Jack” print, so it’s about time us Patriots get recognized. In honor of the clutch and the live launch of the e-commerce site (if that’s not a buzz term, we don’t know what is), the Lulu Guinness team hit the streets of NYC—or mostly, Washington Square Park—to test the product among the natives. Now that’s guerilla marketing. Check out the best street shots—and the clutch—after the jump.

Don’t you ever wish it was the 20s or the 30s again, when everyone wore hats? (We do.) It would add a whole new dimension to your accessory arsenal. Luckily, Gigi Burris, an NYC-based milliner, feels no need to play by the rules. Her romantic, whimsical hats and headpieces, created in collaboration with vintage shop Screaming Mimi’s, are the perfect quirky addition to any downtown girl’s ensemble.