Torrential rain has arrived and is here to stay until at least April, so I’m always lookin’ up new ways to make venturing out into the rain a little less painful and a little more fashionable. This Vivienne Westwood + Melissa collaboration is one of the very best galoshes I’ve seen in a hot minute.

Westwood, one of Britain’s most influencial designers, introduced her avant-garde, Euro punk style to Australian footwear line, Melissa, best known for their grown-up jelly shoes, starting in 2008. Today, their partnership is still going strong, and this lilac colored, bow bootie is straight from their Spring/Summer 10 collection. The boot is made of 100% PVC, features an almond toe and slight heel, and hits just above the ankle. The black PVC bow on front definitely adds a cartoon-ish, feminine twist to your basic rain boot.

The boots are for cool and quirky ladies who aren’t afraid to  turn heads while they slosh through rain puddles. Liven up a pair of dark denim skinnies or basic leggings and an oversized, nubbly sweater for a causal, cozy weekend look. Don’t be afraid to rock these during business hours either. Where them over opaque black nylons and a short skirt or dress when walking around outside and save your precious pumps for the office.

The boots retail for approximately $125 and are sold HERE.

Hellz Bellz is bringin’ the holly jolly to the 2009 holiday season with their winter collection “Cult Classic.” The line, which was partly inspired by the fim “The Heathers,” is full of attitude-driven pieces in rich jewel tones.

Hellz Bellz took flight in 2005 when Lanie and Bam began collaborating on pieces in New York. The line is all about strong and sassy streetwear for ladies, creating season-less pieces that make a woman feel empowered and sexy.

“Cult Classic,” no less, takes the same approach. The line is meant to bring out a sense of mischievousness through dark city denim, fair isle and plaid prints, tuxedo jackets and satin minis, and a stand-out piece of outwear that feels like a cross between a leather jacket and peacoat.

My personal favorites are probably the mini tuxedo jacket and fair isle-print tights. The tuxedo jacket is a perfect way to dress up denim in the evening or smarten up a frilly holiday dress. The cropped length of the jacket won’t crowd any outfit and the 3/4 length sleeves are a great way to show off statement accessories. The fair isle-print tights are a unique way of adding winter flair to dresses and minis throughout the season – keepin’ things fun while keepin’ your legs nice and toasty!

Check out all the pieces in the collection below:

Which pieces will you be coppin’ for the holiday season?

Carin Wester is all about smart, architectural design. The Swedish designer creates both mens and womens collections that are playful yet sharp. This season’s must-have footwear, the Klea Ankle Boot, is perhaps the epitome of her design aesthetic.

After graduating from Beckman’s School of Design in 1998, Wester designed for Paul & Friends for eight seasons before dropping her eponymous collection in 2003. Since then, Carin Wester won Elle magazine’s Newcomer of the Year award in 2004 and was nominated for Designer of the Year just one year later. Today, Wester runs both the womens line (Carin Wester), the mens line (Wester) and a limited and handmade line (W). Her designers are sold all over the world, including France, Japan, Canada and the U.S.

I am enamored with the Klea Ankle Boot. The buttery soft leather is molded to a sharp point and the 4″ platform heel gives the boots a decidedly retro and modern feel. To top it off, the ankles are cinched with not one, but two sturdy, motorcycle buckles topped with shiny silver hardwear. However, for ultra comfort, the boots are lined throughout with soft shearling.

These boots are the perfect footwear for fall/winter as they can be paired up with just about anything and can be worn at any occasion. Toughen up a feminine dress with a pair of black or colorful opaque tights, leather bomber jacket and Klea Ankle Boot. Or, keep things casual and play up your tomboy side by slipping into a pair of acid-wash denim, chunky boyfriend sweater and these boots, once again.

While dropping approximately $450 on a pair of ankle boots may seem like a steep price to pay, these Klea Ankle Boots will have you towering above the rest throughout the season.

Buy it HERE.

For those who just can’t get enough of what Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have to offer, feast your eyes on Olsenboye, the twins’ new line geared towards teens, exclusively at J.C. Penny department stores.

The line’s name is apparently a derivative of the Olsen’s ancestral name, and according to Women’s Wear Daily, the collection will include denim, bottoms, tops, dresses, skirts, shorts, jackets, handbags and shoes… So, uh, basically everything. Unlike M-K and A’s other lines, The Row and Elizabeth and James, which sells at upscale stores, Olsenboye will be priced between $20-$50 and include womens sizes 0-15.

According to WWD, the Olsen twins approached J.C. Penny with their idea, hoping to extend their business portfolio and their Dualstar Entertainment brand (which has not only produced all of the twins’ videos but also been the driving force behind their successful fragrance and cosmetics line, geared towards tweens and teens).

Mary-Kate and Ashley, who were just recently inducted into the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America, add their name to a growing list of designer collaborations J.C. Penny has been doing, including Bisou Bisou, I [Heart] Ronson, Allen B., Oxford & Regent and Twelfth of Eleven.  A preview of the Olsenboye collection shows young, colorful casual pieces that are easy to mix and match.

Olsenboye drops in 50 J.C Penny stores across America starting November 6.

If Blair Waldorf were to take a fabulous little trip down south to Venezuela, she would likely return to the Upper East Side with a trunk full of Oh!Nena accessories.

The Venezuelan head accessories label is run by three friends with funky taste: Daniela Ordonez, Andrea Moreno, and Valentina Alvarado. And their mantra is simple: create one-of-a-kind, decorative headpieces that celebrate femininity while bringing out the fun, playful side in every girl.

Every piece in Oh!Nena is named after a girl. There’s Dana, a strong, transparent headband with reflective silver arrows. Flavia, a tangled chain of hot orangy-pink braids. Irina, a black sequined beret. And Mercedes, a coquettish, feather and plaid, decorative cap, to name just a few. The designers claim that they were inspired to give each accessory a girl’s name after listening to musical group Boom Boom Clan.

What makes each of the pieces to die for is the ethereal, extravagant quality of the designs. Oh!Nena accessories are romantic and eye-catching and definitely a perfect way to bring any outfit to the next level.

Unfortunately, it seems that Oh!Nena might only be available in Venezuela for now, but you can browse through (and swoon at) all of the collections on their website until your next trip down south.

Check it out HERE.

One of New York’s finest streetwear brands, Married to the Mob, has dropped its second installment of the Fall 09 collection, called So High Society. And, once again, MOB doesn’t fail to deliver.

MOB’s very own Sarah McSweeney models the various looks for the collection, which was inspired by “crisp fall nights and first dates.” The collection features deep jewel tones, loads of skinny denim, burnout tees, and some translucent black wear to bring the sexy to the mix.

According to MOB, the lookbook story features “an independent young lady out and about in the city she dwells in, embracing the transition from summer to winter. She embodies the feminine mystique, balancing a mix of intimidating sensuality and warm approachability. Whether she’s having a glass of wine with friends in Tribeca, taking her dog for a walk in the Jardins du Palais Royal, or just running to the corner store to get some sugar, she’s always confident and she’s always keeping it official…”

Some of my personal faves I’ll be lookin’ to cop include the Fifth Avenue Hoodie (love the logo up front), the Washington Square Sweater (jewel tone stripes just scream “fall”), and the Supreme Leggings (perfect for layering all winter and will look just as hot come spring).

What do you think of the collection? Ladies, what pieces will you be coppin’?

Buy collection HERE.

When it comes to nail polish, I’m always on the hunt for the freshest colors and trends, not to mentions products that work really well and last long. That’s why I’m psyched to get my hands on a bottle of Flatte nail polish by Knock Out (KO) Cosmetics.

Knock Out is the creation of makeup artist Mike Potter, best known for his work on the stage and film versions of Hedwig and the Angry Itch. The line is inspired by Victoriana, art deco and rocker chic, which means makeup for daring individuals who like to stand out from the crowd and create a statement with their look.

Flatte is a series of nail polish that goes on matte. The line carries nine shades, including black, white, red, grey and plum. I’m definitely feelin’ the black. Shiny black nails can sometimes look witch-like, but a cool, matte shade is just right for the grunge-inspired looks this fall.

Each bottle contains 0.56 fl. oz (16.5 ml) of nail polish, which is plenty since most shades only require one coat of polish. Bottles are priced around $19 and can be found in fine cosmetics stores across North America or online.

Oh yes, and Karen O herself is a big, big fan.

Buy it HERE.

Fur (or faux fur, if you please) and cape or poncho-shaped coats are some of the hottest trends for fall/winter 09 outerwear. And this vintage-inspired fur neck poncho by Kimchi & Blue is cute enough to make Little Red Riding Hood jealous.

Urban Outfitters is one of my fave shops to cop trendy, carefree pieces. The reasonable price point of almost all of UO’s items make it a perfect one-stop shop for fashionable guys and gals. Kimchi & Blue is always on point when it comes to feminine, but not over the top, styles. This fur neck poncho is case in point.

The cape shape is back in a big way. Blame it on all of the vampire craze goin’ on these days. This one is ultra-feminine, meaning not too rediculously oversized. The outer shell is made of a lush, grey wool, topped off with chunky, brass buttons and oversized pockets to hold all your goodies (remember, that when wearing a cape, carrying a bag becomes slightly awkward)! The faux fur collar is perhaps my favorite detail. I love the soft, off-white, rabbit-like fur, giving the coat an equisitely whimsical feel.

The poncho paired with skinny jeans tucked into riding boots would be a faboosh casual daytime look. I would also definitely top a layered outfit of nubbly tights, laced-up ankle boots, and tunic dress with this poncho.

At just $138, the Kimchi & Blue Fur Neck Poncho is a near steal for all the wear you’ll get out of it. Start wearing it right now, and simply add on layers underneath as the weather gets colder!

Buy it HERE.

When it comes to jewelry, I definitely advocate collecting a few amazing statement pieces over hoarding a mountain of junk. That’s why I’m all over this eye-catching Feather Cuff by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s line, Elizabeth and James.

Seeing pics from New York Fashion Week, it’s clear that MK’s a huge fan at well. She was seen sporting the stylish bracelet at several events. What I love most about this cuff is that it plays up the juxtaposition between soft and hard. Play up your romantic, bohemian side with the feather, while keeping your rock ‘n’ roll, city cool with the oxidized silver hardware. The band sits at 1.75″ wide and 2.25″ in diameter.

The Feather Cuff is part of the jewelry collaboration between the Olsen twins and CFDA jewelry designer Robert Lee Morris. The collection is full of dark, grunge-inspired, statement pieces, in tune with the feel of fall/winter 09.

The Feather Cuff is available at ShopBop for $475. If you’re not quite ready to drop that kind of dough, cop up the ring-sized version, which comes in at a budget-friendly $95.

Buy it HERE.

Mary-Kate Olsen sporting the Elizabeth and James Feather Cuff during NY Fashion Week:

In a world where peeps can’t seem to get enough of Ikea (myself included, my home is complete with Swedish imports), it’s refreshing when top-notch designers try to infiltrate some artistry into your living space… Even better when it’s all done with a sense of irony. Hong Kong-based designers Chic Sin Design do just that. With their larger-than-life pillows just the beginning, they’re products will have you and your guests doin’ a double take.

One of my fave products is this Long Cottonwood Tree Log Bolster Pillow. Each log measures about 19cm (h) by 107cm (w) by 19c (d) and is meant to imitate Cottonwood tree logs bitten down by beavers. What takes the pillow to the next level is that the wood pattern is knitted using five different “wood-like” colors, rather than just printed on, which means longevity and comfort! Additionally, the pillow case can be removed for washing.

While the Cottonwood Tree Log Bolster is my personal favorite, other designs you can jazz up your living space with are the Marbled Beef Pillow, the Canned Beer-Shaped Pillow, and the Folded Banknote Pillow. To see more of Chic Sin Design’s designs, hit up their website or their Etsy site.

The Long Cottonwood Tree Log Bolster is $82 USD. Buy it HERE.

Two worlds collide. For those who have been longing to bring the stylish ensembles from Gossip Girl to the real world and for those who have been waiting for another designer to release a chic but cheap collection at a national retailer, look no further. Anna Sui for Target, which is inspired by the television hit Gossip Girl, will be launching at 250 Target stores starting September 13.

The Anna Sui for Target collection is the second designer installment following Alexander McQueen for Target’s Designer Collections. The collection is made up of 19 pieces inspired by leading ladies Blair, Serena, Jenny, and Vanessa from Gossip Girl. Prices range from $19.99-$149.99 and include dresses, sweaters, blouses, cropped trousers, and mini skirts. While the collection definitely brings out the different styles of each of the characters, the Anna Sui for Target collection definitely stays true to the designer’s signature ethnic/boho prints and feminine silhouettes.

Some of the standout pieces are captured above. Channel your inner Park Avenue princess (aka Blair) with a prim and proper long-sleeve, ivory, tablecloth lace dress. Mimic Serena’s sexy uptown look with the black lace halter dress. Play up your rebellious side with a Jenny-inspired blouse, plaid skirt, and punky tights. And for all the Vanessa’s out there, chill downtown in a vintage-inspired vest layered over an ethnic-print dress.

Are you excited for the Anna Sui for Target collection? Which Gossip Girl’s style are you plannin’ to cop?

As the weather slowly gets cooler, and here on the West Coast, it slowly gets rainier, girls are always lookin’ for stylish ways to keep themselves looking hot through the fall/winter months. A great addition to your fall/winter 09 staples is this hooded scarf by Susanne Guldager.

The Danish designer emerged onto the fashion scene in February 2008 with a collection called Black Square AW 08/09. A graduate of the Master in Fashion program at Designskolen Kolding in Denmark, Guldager’s designs are conceptual and intuitive and meant to evoke a sense of artistry and humor.

The Hooded Scarf is made of 100 percent wool on the outside and lined with 100 percent silk. It is available in a bright, royal blue with a black, knot motif on the scarf, giving it a nautical feel. The scarf would look great paired with almost any jacket or with your favorite, over-sized, wool winter sweater.

The Susanne Guldager Hooded Scarf is available at Pixie Market for $198.

Buy it HERE.

There ain’t nothin’ more frustratin’ than scratching or cracking your fave devices – be that cell phone, MP3 player, laptop, or game console. That’s where the brilliance of Music Skins comes in. These high-quality, vinyl skin products not only add a slick layer of protection to your devices, they allow you to add a unique design/print/or image that tells the world just a lil’ ’bout your personality.

Recently, KB was lucky enough to get the chance to test out some of the products at Music Skins for ourselves. With a small nick already in my ‘Berry, I jumped at the chance to cover it and change up the bland, grey color I got the phone in. So after combing through the hundreds of patterns and images Music Skins had to offer, I went with a pattern called “Ghost.” Thought it’d be nice and bright for summer.

What’s great about the variety of skins is that you can chose to cover your devices in images ranging from singers like Bob Marley, Madonna and Lil’ Wayne, to artist images of President Obama, to anime-inspired art and crazy, colorful patterns. It was definitely hard to choose!

Applying the Music Skin was definitely not too difficult either, took less than 10 minutes to do a slick job. The stickers came in three pieces, and the best part was that it was easy to peel off and reapply if you messed up the first few times. What’s also great about Music Skins leaves zero residue if you decide you want to peel it off or change up your ’skin.

Music Skins run at $15 a pop and can be ordered online.

For more info or to cop your own Music Skin, check out musicskins.com

Inspired, floral prints are a quick way to make a big impact. Appropriate, since Nom de Plume Yaya is all about spontaneity, youthfulness, and irresponsibility.

Nom de Plume Yaya is an exclusive collection for Urban Outfitters by designer Yael Aflalo. While she is now based out of New York, Aflalo’s design roots began in L.A., where she created a skirt that was quickly snatched up by Fred Segal. Today, Aflalo is not only the designer of two lines, Yaya and Love Yaya, she is also the co-owner of The Reformation, a store with locations in New York and L.A. that reworks vintage pieces. Nom de Plume Yaya encompasses Aflalo’s bicoastal personality: seasonless, carefree clothes to represent the west, and partygirl, silhouettes with attitude to represent the east.

This Floral Scoop Dress is one of my favorite pieces from the collection. A feminine frock silhouette is accentuated by a wide, scoop neckline, which falls into an elegant deep-V in the back. The 3/4-length sleeves and cinched waist makes the dress flattering for just about any body shape, while the above-the-knee hemline and side pockets keep the dress casual enough to don on any occasion. Made of a polyester and spandex blend for optimum comfort, the dress features a large-scale purple and yellow flower motif – great colors to pop out of fall’s essential black leather jacket, black tights and black leather ankle boots (a great daytime look, might I add). To take this dress into evening, use the large neckline and shorter sleeves to your advantage – pile on some serious accessories! Swap the ankle boots for a pair of patent leather pumps and you’re good to go!

At just $68, the Nom de Plume Yaya Floral Scoop Dress is a great addition to your fall/winter wardrobe that will have the longevity to take you into spring next year.

Buy it HERE.

Tights have and will always be a fall/winter staple. Whether they be for expressing your personality or mood through patterns and colors, adding texture and depth to a look, or just keepin’ your stems nice and warm while sportin’ your favorite mini, tights start and complete a helluva lot of outfits.

Scottish export Bebaroque has just taken your everyday black nylons to the next level. The stocking expert has released its fall/winter 09 collection it’s nothing short of breathtaking.

Bebaroque was launched in 2007 by Glasgow School of Art grads Mhairi McNicol and Chloe Patience, who both studied textiles and fashion. The two decided to join forces to create something very unique in the legwear market using Mhairi’s hand embroidery skills and Chloe’s skill at drawing on hosiery. Their unique collection won them the 2008 Vogue Scottish Design Award’s Accessories Designer of the Year.

Bebaroque tights are made of high-density technology for a silky smooth look that will stretch to fit between a UK size 8-14. Their designs are usually very intricate and romantic, and the placement of patters is designed to complement female legs in the best way possible. The “Gretal Black” (shown above) is from their Autumn/Winter 09 collection. The tights were inspired by Russian lace and meant to evoke a sense of fairytales. The romantic print covers both the front and back of the tights and ends just above the ankle.

Pair these tights with a minidress or high-waisted bandage skirt to show off the design. For a refined wintery look, slip on a pair of black, patent ankle booties and finish off with a creamy, winter white coat.

Buy it HERE.

August is all about coppin’ up pieces you can wear now but will transition nicely into your fall/winter wardrobe. That’s why these Jeffrey Campbell Cutout Booties are the perfect must-have purchase that won’t have your savings in a pinch!

Jeffrey Campbell is known for delivering high-quality, designer-grade footwear at an affordable price. His shoes are always on-point when it comes to the season’s hottest trends, and the use of high-quality materials make the shoes uber comfortable and long-lasting. The Cutout Bootie is made of genuine buttery black leather with a rubber, non-slip sole. Tonal laces and antique gromets give the boots a vintage feel, while the angled cutouts provide a modern twist.

What makes these boots wearable during the summer months is the fact that they hit right at the ankle and that they cutouts give the shoe an airy, almost sandal-like quality. Toughen up a summer dress at night or play up this year’s grunge-inspired cut-off denim with these booties right now. To take the boots into your fall/winter wardrobe is easy. Simply, throw on a pair of colorful or black nylons underneath, or even opt for some chunky, wooly socks or tights. Of course, these won’t be the shoes to reach for when it starts raining or snowing, but the year-round wearability of the Cutout Bootie make them a premium purchase.

To seal the deal, the Jeffrey Campbell Cutout Bootie have been recently reduced from $150 to $69.99 on UrbanOutfitters.com. They’re available online only, but at such a steal, who’s complaining?

Buy it HERE.

Say hello to the perfect fall pant. Designer-of-the-moment Alexander Wang has combined optimal comfort with high-end tailoring to create a pair of “sweatpants” that are effortlessly chic.

The Geometric Sweatpants continue this year’s trends of menswear tailoring and loose-fitting drop-crotched harem pants. The 1.75″ waistband sits comfortably at the hips, while the 11-inch rise leaves plenty of room for a slouchy effect. Detailed tailoring like on-seam hip pockets and button-welt back pockets as well as a three-button fly keep the sweatpants from looking messy. And a slouchy leg finished with a skinny ankle bring the pant into the modern era.

What I love about the pant is that it’s made with a high-quality virgin wool, along with 45% acrylic, 8% polyamide and 2% elastane. Also, the checkered, black and white intasia print almost gives the pant a tweed-like quality from afar.

If you’re dying to break into these pants now, pair them with some fierce, geometric, cutout wedges, and a slinky tank. When fall rolls around, take out a pair of black, heeled, ankle boots or lace-up oxfords and top with a cropped, Alexander Wang sweatshirt for a downtown chic look.

The Alexander Wang Geometric Sweatpants roll in at around $395, but for a pant that looks this good and feels so good you won’t want to take off, it’s worth every penny.

Buy it HERE.

Lily + Jae is all about dressing the girl next door. Wearable and playful, energetic and innocent, Lily + Jae is for everyday wear, yet is anything but ordinary.

The Vancouver-based womenswear line began in 2006 when Jude Feller, who was working in wardrobe in film and television at the time, went searching for quality pieces that were both functional and attractive to wear in everyday life. When she came home empty-handed, Feller began designing a collection of clothes that she would want to wear, which became Lily + Jae.

The line is known for its flirty dresses, tailored coats, soft hoodies, and flattering high-waisted trousers and has a strong celebrity following including singers Lykke Li and Lily Allen as well as actresses Kristen Kreuk and Amy Smart.

The Fall 09 collection continues the line’s feminine aesthetic. Followers can expect to see lots of versatile, comfortable pieces which are easy to mix and match. Take the checkered, oversized shirts, which can either be worn separately or layered with chunky knits  and denim or leggings. Lily + Jae’s Fall 09 collection also boasts a palette of earthy neutrals like cream, olive, brown, and taupe.

Below is a preview of the collection:

Lily + Jae’s luxuriously soft hoodies can be layered over your favorite leggings and chunky knit socks for a downtime look.

Play up your girly side in classic feminine silhouettes and soft florals.

Tailored black and white pieces are the perfect accompaniment for a night out in Fall or Winter.

Lily + Jae’s Fall 09 collection will be available later this summer! To satisfy your cravings until then, shop online HERE!

Leave it to Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen to strike up a collaboration with jewelry designer Robert Lee Morris to create a stunning collection of snake and dagger-adorned rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces. And lucky for us, much of that collection is now on sale!

The collection, officially called Robert Lee Morris for Elizabeth and James, has a dark, grunge feel and consists of over 80 pieces. The Olsens were reportedly long-time fans of Morris’ work, which has won him not one, but two, CFDA awards.

The Dagger Charm Bracelet is one of the pieces I’ve had my eye on for some time. Charm bracelets are great statement pieces and are timeless. I love the edgy take on the feminine heirloom with 18 daggers in silver. Pair this piece with your darker, rock/grunge-inspired fall pieces, or play up the “dark charm” factor by pairing the bracelet with a feminine, floral frock.

Pierce through someone’s heart with the Robert Lee Morris for Elizabeth and James Dagger Charm Bracelet, available at ShopBop on sale for $262.50, which is 30 percent off the original price of $375.

Buy it HERE.

There is still plenty of summer to be had, and nothing gets you ready to frolick in the summer heat like a playsuit/romper. That’s why I’m lovin’ this tribal-print one piece from WPQ.

Made of ultra-soft cotton, this playsuit features a diamond and stripe motif in red, white, light blue, and muted brown over a navy blue base. The deep-V, overlapped front is complemented by a cinched elastic waist and side pocket. The playsuit measures 31″ long.

The WPQ playsuit is perfect for hittin’ up brunch or an afternoon bike ride through the park when paired with neutral-colored gladiators and a lightweight scarf worn as a headband. Take the playsuit into the evening by adding extra accessories, like a statement belt and a necklace to highlight the deep V, and trade up your sandals for a pair of wedges or espadrilles.

Kick your summer into high gear with this WPQ tribal playsuit, available online at Pixie Market for $116.

Buy it HERE.