New York Fashion Week; Spring 2009 Michael Kors Collection - Shop Michael Kors Fall Styles at NORDSTROM

It’s the poetic version of diamonds and the bohemian version of pearls. Instead of wearing your heart on your sleeve, let it dangle on a chain. It’s the kind of subtle, expressive jewellery you’d expect Virginia Woolf to wear, while Kate Moss has been wearing her favourite pendant for months, a sure indication of a true fashion must-have.

From a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower to an antique cameo or a intricate cross, there are endless possibilties with the pendant necklace. Transfer your adolescent love of the charm bracelet over to this more refined, grown-up adaptation. Its an eloquent fashion accessory, one that speaks for itself : demonstrate your hobbies, your passion or even a loved one from the intimacy of your neck.

This accessory is best displayed on thin, delicate chains. Pile the necklaces on a la Givenchy or go for a singular, bolder necklace. It also adds the necessary embellishment to an otherwise simple outfit. Black dress a little drab? Pendants are the solution. From chunky turtlenecks or plain tees, this accessory is literally adaptable to any look : Alexa Chung is fond of the pendant and blazer combination while Mary Kate is fond of matching it with a slightly plunging V-neckline.

So let the pendant into your wardrobe this season, let it be a friend, one that will inspire you to be creative and more importantly, expressive. Because truthfully, what’s fashion without expression?

Guest written by Audrey Rogers www.befrassy.com

Photo: Mary-Kate, Kate Moss and Alexa Chung’s own pendant looks.

Use Code SAVETHEPIG to Save an Extra 20% on Items marked 50-70% Off only at shopbop.com

Click here to visit ShopBop.com

From left: Diane von Furstenberg, Marni, Ralph Lauren

Get all gloved up this season in gloves ranging from wrist to elbow length. The biggest fashion houses churned out some of the finest gloves I’ve ever seen and in the most flattering designs possible. Diane von Furstenberg sent models in her “Foreign Affair” show down the runway clad in dark gloves that were fitted at the hand, and slouchy at the arm. They are the must-have accessory in her collection. They cinched the forties jet-setter look like a belt. Marni on the other hand, chose a lighter, yet multi-colored palette for their leather gloves, resembling gauntlets, in shades such as white, pink, grey, brown and beige. Thakoon and Rodarte went the motorcycle route, while Lanvin opted for black leather gloves more fitting - pardon the pun - for a hit man.

Clockwise from top left: Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Thakoon, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Rodarte

Gone are the days where gloves were meant to keep your hands warm. Today, a glove’s purpose is to define your outfit. To give you an edge over the dressed-down population. Leather, lace, slouchy, fitted, fingerless, wrist-length, pink, black; they come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

Pick your poison but be cautious. Restrain yourself from committing a crime with those concealed hands. Because while you may not be a hired assassin, you will definitely look the part.

Guest post by Alya from Pomegranate and Patchouli

Images: Style.com

guest writing by Marc Spellen

Fashion week launches off today in the Bryant Park tents at 9am lasting, yes dharling, a whole week. If you didn’t already know that, you lead far too simple of a life. Today’s shows start off with the likes of some of my personal faves, Rag & Bone and Erin Fetherston. I’m looking forward to seeing light looks from Zac Posen, Marc by Marc, Thakoon, Thom Brown and Preen. I’ll be counting how many conversations I have to sit through having to to hear about “recession dressing” from some editor or stylist dripping in YSL S/S 08′. Other things to I look forward to, later tonight, the Blackbook “comes around goes around” party and the WSJ Magazine Launch Party (yes, Wall Street Journal). Let’s see how late the Marc Jacobs show starts this season. See you at the tents or… factory in the meat-packing district.

Marc

With the economy in tatters, one of the biggest trends being pushed by high fashion designers this season is “timeless classics”. While we all love a good deal, investing that little bit extra in a piece that’s going to last for years to come is well worth it. Aside from possessing something you know you’ll cherish long after skinny jeans and Tory Burch flats go out of style, you’re actually helping the environment by purchasing one great item as opposed to six fast-fashion pieces you’re bound to throw away by next June. Shown here are some of the “timeless classics” that I’m saving up for… a girl can dream, right?

1. Burberry trench coat (www.burberry.com)
2. Chanel quilted bag with chain strap (www.chanel.com)
3. Christian Louboutin sling back pumps (www.netaporter.com)
4. Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress (www.netaporter.com)
5. Yves Saint Laurent “le smoking” suit, updated (www.nytimes.com)

Guest written by Gem of urbanebloc.com

Alexander Wang is doing the fashion world a favour. This is fashion at its most versatile: its a need, not a want- a tool, not a frivolity.  His new line, “T by Alexander Wang”  consists of cotton basics made the right way. From tanks to t-shirt dresses, there will be 12 style in all- “Necklines are stretched and armholes are strategically lowered so that it looks worn in” It’s like sleeping in a T-shirt and then wearing it the next day. It’s not this crisp little T out of the dryer. It’s draped and kind of wilted.” Paired with knee-highs and leggings to high-waisted denim or even your pyjamas: it seems evident that a little Wang will pull our looks together to a “Tee” this winter.

For more fashion updates by Audrey, log on to: www.frassy-audrey.blogspot.com

Marc Spellen

In a barbaric world where the fashionably sadistic masses are at each other’s throats, vying to embody the wire hangers at the Prada showroom, things can get a little- gory. And last time I checked (I check often) blood-splattered hasn’t been a look since the 80’s when “People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals” ruined things for us, and Naomi. The once ubiquitous “it” bag has almost been rendered obsolete, thanks to Tony, whom I don’t know at all, and his truck-o-faux down on Canal Street. The hope on the horizon, short of medical attention, comes in the form of embellished statement pieces from our favorite designers. Ladies, take your “it was” bag, fill it up with nickels, and tell Tony I said stop calling.

Here are my top picks:

Shoes, shoes, shoes: Christian Louboutin for Rodarte, Prada Lace up boots, Giles, Chrisopher Kane, Chloe and Viktor and Rolf

Necklaces:Givenchy chains, Missoni, Marni and Louis Vuitton

Tights: Chanel Inverse black and white tights

Gloves: Doo Ri, Karl lagerfeld

Try locating the fun in individualism if there are 300 other people individually tearing your personal vision to pieces. Bloodbath be gone. I say, the more obscure the better. This fall’s statement is all about a murky, brooding approach to love and imagination. It’s perfectly acceptable to wear something on your neck, waist or feet that would make Jackson Pollack moan with bliss. Just be damn sure no one else can get a smirk out of him.

–marc spellen