Oohs and Awes for Marc by Marc Jacobs Janet Jacquard Sweater

Today I'm loving the sexy back of this Marc by Marc Jacobs Janet Jacquard Sweater. Although the front cropped portions aren't the most flattering shape in my opinion, the back is extremely feminine and pretty. I love the crossed ribbon look, don't you?

Oohs and Awes for Yves Saint Laurent Easy Bags

With 2010 quickly wrapping up, it seems like every fashion blog is compiling a list of best-ofs for the year. I always have a hard time picking out my favorites of the year, but I can say that this year I've fallen in love with YSL Easy bags. If it weren't for the $1,000-$2,000 price tag, I'd definitely have my hands on one by now. Regardless, the classic appeal with a subtle signature "Y" across the bag makes these handbags a duality- part staple piece and part tribute to YSL as a company. Here are a few (the studded one is my favorite):

You should have put a (Melody Ehsani) ring on it

I've recently discovered the amazing creations of Melody Ehsani, and I couldn't feel more like a kid in a candy store when perusing her visually enthralling lookbook. I am particularly partial to the chunky rings that resemble brass knuckles in princess form. I love how she introduces her 2010 lookbook by saying "The following designs have escaped my head." Her focus on the artistic side of her designs is completely in-your-face in a way that I like. Her voice is strong and pays tribute to art deco and worldly inspirations.

I like how personal her jewelry is to her. Here's the "about me" from her website and a few of the photos from her lookbook that I really like. Enjoy!

Born and raised in Los Angeles in a traditional Persian family, like many of my cousins and friends I applied to go off to Law School after college, but I couldnt stay there. I decided to break with my culture and follow my heart into a field I was internally drawn to....design. The more I designed shoes and products, the more it felt like the right thing for me to be doing. So now I believe that design is part of what I was designed to do. I guess you could say that design is part of my divine blueprint. I believe that honoring my blueprint helps me bring to the world new patterns of behavior and equality for myself and for all women in the future. In my culture, a womans value and status are determined by her marriage. This is a difficult and challenging concept for many women in todays world. By following my calling and making shoes and products, I am helping women resolve these kinds of paradoxes. I want to become my true self and be a vibrant member of a family and a community. I want the women who wear my shoes to have the same opportunity for equality, wholeness, and self expression. My style is inspired by paradox, controversy, justice and pushing the envelope in showing that you truly cant judge a book by its cover. I design to upset the equilibrium. I design to inspire. I design to serve. I design because I was created to do so. A portion from each pair of Ehsani shoes purchased will go towards the advancement and education of women in our society.

Oohs and Awes for Alexander McQueen Pumps

I have a confession to make. I've replaced my shopping addiction with shoe hoarding. Shoes are amazing because even if you pack on a few pounds or have no where to wear them, they will always fit and be there for you. Perusing through my shoe closet has become a religious experience, and I'm ready to trade my H&M and Steve Madden pumps for the real deal. Just give me a few years to rack up some money (give or take 20 grand), and I kid you not I'm going to put Carrie Bradshaw's collection to shame. I'm definitely going to start with a pair of Alexander McQueens. These Titanic Ballerina Pumps would be a good choice, I've been drooling over them since January 2010 and they never cease to amaze me.

Suno Bridges Fair Trade and Fierce Patterns

It's my birthday in a few weeks, which means I am on the prowl for a new party dress. I've also picked up an addiction to unconventional prints, so it's no wonder this Suno dress completely caught my eye. After doing some research, I found out that Rachel Bilson recently wore it to Fashion’s Night Out in New York City, reaffirming the fact that we are kindred spirits. However, one aspect left me puzzled, what/who is Suno? I had never heard of the company, so I called my good friend, Google, and here's what I found:

Suno is a NYC-based brand and was formed in 2008 by Max Osterweis. The company is unique because they use fabrics collected from Kenya, giving their frocks an authentic East African look. And there's more to the story than just a treasure hunt for unique textiles. According to their website, Suno "employs local Kenyan talent, treats workers fairly, and showcases some of Kenya’s artistry." The company hopes their presence in Africa will have a positive effect, especially in regards to social and economic change.

They are certainly receiving a ton of attention from the fashion industry for their efforts. This month alone, Suno has been featured in Harper's Bazaar, Nylon, and on both style.com and Women's Wear Daily (WWD). I think Suno is worthy of all the buzz, especially considering its good-natured company philosophy. Here are some of Suno's looks from their spring 2011 RTW collection...

photos from http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011RTW-SUNO

Oohs and Awes for Anndra Neen Metal Clutches

I never thought I'd see the day where an an accessory screamed medieval-meets-cage-dancer. Oh, how fashion continuously surprises me. This Anndra Neen clutch du jour was designed by acclaimed sister act Phoebe and Annette Stephens and has won my approval. This "bag" definitely plays into the motorcycle trend we're seeing this season, although I would like to see it juxtaposed with a swank LBD. What do you think? The clutch retails for $695 and is available on roseark.com

Oohs and Awes for Marc Jacobs Backward Cardigans

If only Marc Jacobs was 20 years younger and straight. He is really my ideal man: dark features, an amazing dresser, and "intelligent" is an understatement. What makes Jacobs such an admirable designer is his ability to reinvent classics in the most ingenious way that makes you say, "why didn't I think of that?" This season I'm loving his Backwards Crew-Neck Cardigan. I literally live my life in cardigans, and I've never even thought about turning it around for a whole new look. You really can't beat that kind of innovative thinking. If you are loving this look, but not the $995 price, check out this awesome article by Who What Wear on a really simple D.I.Y. project a la Marc Jacobs. I'm definitely going to try this at home! Kudos Jacobs, and if you have a nephew that's remotely like you...have him call me.