1. Furla python satchel, 2. Prada python and suede ankle-strap platform pumps, 3. Miu Miu suede chunky ankle boots, 4. Gucci python platform pumps,
5. Chloé crossbody bag, 6. Jimmy Choo suede and snake platform sandals, 7. Gucci small top handle bag

Giulia and I were talking the other day about how we had left accessories on the side lately, which is true. So I endeavoured her to find her favourite bags and shoes from the fall/winter 2011 collections from the Saks.com website. We decided to group them in three of the biggest accessory trends this season –70's, colour blocking and sparkle.

Going through the accessory section of the Saks' website is quite an experience. They have over two thousand shoes and over a thousand bags in stock! You can imagine how long it took us to go through both sections to pick our favourites. But it was sort of fun to see all the range that brands have for this season.
I wanted to start with the 70's because it's my personal favourite. I love the rich colour palette combined with the snakeskin and the suede. I love the colour block items to add a pop of colour during the winter when we all tend to wear so many dark colours. It just looks perfect to put a bright purple shoe with a black trouser! The spark is Giulia's favourite, she really likes her glitter! Miu Miu is obviously the master in that department and I must admit I am really into all these dark glitter that seems a perfectly glamourous choice for an evening look.

Pop of Colour

1. Rochas 'Borsa Rosa', 2. Elizabeth and James strappy leather sandals, 3. Boutique 9 wedge platform pumps, 4. Gucci Huston suede platform pumps,
5. Brian Atwood suede and metal platform pumps, 6. Fendi Silvana top handle bag, 7. Vionnet leather pochette, 8. Bottega Veneta messenger bag

Evening Sparkle

1. Miu Miu crisscross glitter ankle boots, 2. Proenza Schouler glitter pumps, 3. Miu Miu glitter pumps, 4. Anya Hindmarch glitter clutch,
5. Dior glitter and suede t-strap sandals, 6. Halston Heritage Sabrina mesh pouch

* This post is sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue

safari 2.1

Safari has become one of those summer trends that never ever leaves but rather acquires different twists to try and reinvent itself. So I started thinking of taking a more literal approach to the trend. Instead of wearing beiges, nudes and khakis why should we not go for a more 'animal' option? I started thinking of my favourite animals —zebras, giraffes and lions. Unfortunately, no one really makes giraffe prints or lion wigs so I eventually settled for zebra and snakeskin prints. And the first thing that came to mind mind was the amazing stripped maxi dress from Acne. For their SS10 line they have done a lot of black and white stripes and this graphic version of snakeskin that are perfect for my trend.

But I needed to find something else with a bit more colour. That's why I found Kinder Aggugini —an Italian Punk trained at St. Martin's with huge names on his CV such as Galliano, Vivienne Westwood, Calvin Klein or Costume National. The most fascinating part of his career to me was his job as head designer of Versace following Gianni's death. His SS10 collection has an amazing mélange of 18th-Century fashion with a strong stroke of Punk (kind of a nod to Westwood by means of layering) and excellent tailoring skills. He is now on my list of designers to watch. [Check out his website, collections and buy here]

I'm off.

[Sources: Aggugini.com, MatchesFashion.com, Africancraftsandproducts.com, shop.AcneStudios.com, photography.NationalGeographic.com]