Splurge or Steal

Every single celebrity from SJP, Lauren,Mily,Vannessa, Kim....well you name it!  has sported this famous motor-cycle inspired balenciaga "Lariat" at least once. No doubt it goes with anything and can be dressed up or down. This is what I call a real staple in your closet. One piece that adds right amount of glamour essence to your look. But the hefty price tag of $1,945 is far beyond expensive to spend on a bag for most of us. Does that mean we need to give up on this star? Nope, not after this Steal. You are not saving just one or two hundreads but $1800 with this steal. What do you think, Splurge or Steal?

Splurge Steal by Barelyvogue featuring Balenciaga bags

Cover me with Dots

My choices have changed widely growing up but my love for Polka Dots is just getting fonder and fonder. Only thing that changed is how I choose to wear these dots. I moved from dotted socks, blankets, toys and frocks to blazers, bikinis and draped dresses. Just thinking of wearing these punchy colored slingbacks, dress my cupcakes with these cute cases or just these fancy looking sweet smelling wipes brings me immense joy! 

Polka dots final by Barelyvogue featuring Marni

1. Two Polka Dot Mesh Bow Crocodile Clips - $8.45

2. Marni Shorts - $740.

3. Slingback net-a-porter - $885

4. Turban headband - $55

5. Polka-Dot Bangles - $114

6. Sweet treat scented wipes - $3

7. Burn out spot Jacket - $110

8. Polka dot silk Dress - $890

9. Polka Dot bow Dress - $1430

10. Dot folding umbrella - $125

11. Green polka dot cupcake cases 

12. 2 in 1 polka dot canvas - $47.50

13. Bandeau top - $26.50, Reversible bikini pant -$38.

What are your childhood favorites that are growing with you? I'd love to hear.

What is your city style?

Years ago when I read Page Six quoting Whitney Port as the New Carrie Bradshaw it came a bit of shocking to me as I always thought Carrie can never be reproduced. But now after seeing her Whitney Eve's collection and the way she moulded herself from a reality star into the fashion powerhouses I am far beyond impressed. Just like they say "Doing right things at the right time" this City girl is once again grabbing our attention after last weeks launch this time by styling. Recently she is seen visiting Rachel Roy's Manhattan showroom RACHEL and picked few of her summer city looks. 

 

1. Uptown

2. Downtown

3. Around town

Love the blend of colors and how she paired that fringe top with a androgynous trousers. You can check more pictures here and details of the outfit here. What is your city style? I am in love with... well all three!

Geeky Chic

If I had to come up with a list of things that I can't live without my mac would top the list. Being a Software Engineer by profession I am not as geeky as the people I am mostly surrounded with unless it has some "Chic" factor. But as soon as I saw this digital clutch almost year ago before it launched I was so impressed by the butterfly design, size and of course "oh so Lovely" looks. Vivienne Tam did a great job with the design and despite the long wait how cool is it to have a same net-book along with the Sex and the city 2 girls even before its out in theaters. Well who doesn't love SATC style? Does that even excite you or am I on some sugar high?

Also, the winner for Ruche giveaway is Margaret from Shine by three. Congratulations! Margaret.

Whitney Port for Rue La La

For all the MTV's Hills and The City fan's its a known story that Whitney Port  moved from Beverly"Hills" to "The" New york "CITY" to work for Diane Von Furstenberg. She is also working on her new line which already made waves on the Spring 2010 Fashion show in NY. This West Coast fashionista is teaming up with new creative face Brian Reyes. These two designers with fresh take on fashion are presenting spring look exclusively on Rue La La for special event, The Elle Modern Designer Boutique

on Wednesday, May 12th 11:00am till Monday, May 17th 11:00am. Don't forget that this is a priviate event and can only be accessed by the members. Send me an email to get an invitation code. Hurry! up and get your slots to update your spring wardrobe. Everything sell out fast here. 


Also, don't miss out a chance to chat with  ELLE Creative Director and The City Regular, Joe Zee, on our Facebook fan page http://facebook.com/ruelala, May 12th at 2PM EST. Fans can discuss latest trends and get Joe Zee's visionary take on fashion including top picks from the upcoming Whitney Port and Brian Reyes ELLE Modern Designer's Boutique. To chat with Mr. Zee, make sure you fan Rue La La's Facebook page. Happy Shopping!!

DesiCouture

                                                    Via Anthropologie.com

Growing up between the colors of Holi and the lights of Diwali, the land of rich culture and tradition with more than 400 languages and 28 states, where women from every state dress in a different manner, it is no surprise that Indian fashion Industry has moved from embryonic stage to blossoming take-off. San Diego, being my "Home away from Home" no wonder I am so addicted to the casual California style.  As much as I love dressing up in my Marchesa's and Louboutin's on special occasions my heart still lusts for those Silk Saris, Brightly Mirrored Cholis, Colorful Lehengas and the Traditional Salwar-Kameez I wore growing up. Though my parents occasionally surprised me with the fashionable gifts from home, I always missed choosing my favorite pieces especially with the growing list of reputed fashion designers in India.

This being the saga of most of my friends, I did my research and came across this amazing online store Desicouture.net which brings the Indian Designer Collection right from the runway to your doorstep with just a click. The site is very friendly and lets you preview even the minor details on the fabric up-close and select or custom order the sizes for your body type. It's not a secret that the fit plays the major role in anykind of attire, isn't the custom fit feature amazing! 

Right in time for the wedding season they are launching  this amazing Bridal collection by Neeta Lulla consisting of breathtaking array of saris with fine Swarovski details and flamboyant Indian dress sets which are youthful and yet so Bridal! I am so honored to team up with Desicouture.net to do the preview of their new collection on my blog before they go online this week.  

1. Pink and Orange Net sari with Sequin and gold details.
2. Blue Georgette sari with Swarovski detailing 
3. Pink Georgette Sari with Swarovski detailing
4. Orang Net sari with Old Rose Parsi detailing in the border
5. Nude Indian set with Swarovski and Sequin detailing
6. Fresh Green Jeweled Indian Set 
7. Orange and Green Jeweled Indian set   


Do checkout their FAQ sections for others questions and concerns. I haven't linked the outfits to the retailer as they are not online yet. Will update them once they launch.

P.S- Don't forget to enter the Ruche giveaway!

Get Ruched and Win!

Starting from Carrie Bradshaw to the girl next door every body is loving a touch of Vintage in their wardrobe this season. Especially when the pieces are so delicate and feminine with addition of great fabric and colors. If you are one of them who loves the combination of all the above, ShopRuche is the place for you. As it being a favorite destination for most of us already, I can't resist writing about it. Those of you who haven't heard of it, Wait! you don't need the directions, It is an online boutique and you can shop from anywhere and anytime at the comfort of your own home. And if you are worried about breaking the banks as almost all the pieces are so hard to resist you will be surprised to see how affordable they are. It is one stop for every girl for a head to toe ensemble.

1. Pink petals and pearls blouse - $37.99

2. Sprouting up tank - $38.99

3. Fluttering tiered leaves top - $39.99

1. Playdate with polka dots dress - $39.99

2. city highlights top - $36.99

3. Candypop swirls chiffon tube dress - $46.99

1. Amethyst marble rosette earrings by Ollipop - $25.99

2. "Where are my reading glasses?" necklace -$12.99

3. Swing thing earrings by Ollipop -$39.99

4. Love my petals bracelet - $24.99

1. Contours of a rose purse - $54.99

2. Restricted "Marigold" sandals in yellow - $54.99

3. Ruffles and frays flower belt in rosey pink -$13.99

4. Bella donna rose scarf - $15.99

Ruche is generously sponsoring a giveaway for my readers. You can win this turquoise and pearls ring by Ollipop. All you have to do to ENTER is leave a comment including your name and email address. Anonymous comments please leave a contact email id. Open till May 16. Winner will be selected randomly.

For Bonus entries:


(1) Follow BarelyVogue on Twitter.

(2) Blog about the giveaway on a personal website.

Exotic touches

African-inspired pieces have some influence on almost every single designer in their spring summer 2010 collection. Even after seeing them a lot on runway I was doubtful of taking them to my every day life as I always thought tribal looks are too costumey. But, my celebrity inspirations like Nichole Richie, Olsens and Vanessa Hudgens taught me how to incorporate few pieces like scarf's, statement necklaces or a belt to my oh so classy outfit to make it look more interesting. Check out my picks below. I am so in love with that belt. I can already think of a dozen dresses to wear with it. What do you guys think? Are you willing to add few of these tribal prints to your closet this summer?

Mini Skirts by Marc by Marc Jacobs
Belts by Motif 56

Note: Click on the images to link you to the retailer.