D~LuxeList

Lark & Wolf by Steven Alan [Trench]

                  

Am I the last one to know that my beloved Steven Alan has an exclusive line with Urban? Just perusing the new arrivals and this Lark & Wolff by Steven Alan Trench caught my eye. I love the collarless design and it looks great worn open. Bonus that you can wear it buttoned and belted as a shirt dress, giving you two looks in one. Rarely do I find affordable luxe items that aren't on sale but the $88 full-price tag on this baby certainly meets my qualifications for the category. 

Amenity Home [Spring 2010 Collection ~ Fern]

 

I'm itching to get a new duvet cover for our bed and this beautiful design from Amenity Home could be the one. The Cream + Peacock print is gorgeous. I love the pop of blue against the creamy white. It's refreshing and light—something that evokes a feeling of calm and restfulness. Plus, each piece is limited-edition, with a large-scale image printed individually with non-toxic, water-based dyes onto 300-thread count cotton that's organically grown and processed. Amenity uses traditional printmaking techniques, making each duvet a true, unique work of art for your bedroom. Available March 1, 2010, at AmenityHome.com

Designer Q&A Lauren Merkin [Paige Duffel]

 

Currently coveting this incredible bag from New York designer Lauren Merkin. I have one of her Ava clutches (in a purple metallic fabrication) that I reach for nearly every time I go out at night for a press event or dinner with friends. Let me tell you, I get compliments on it all the time. I'd really love to have one of Merkin's larger handbags for everyday usage, and Paige has been calling my name ever since I laid eyes on her a couple of weeks ago. I'm smitten with the Grey/Navy Ostrich Embossed style and Navy Glazed Buffalo, which are both available now. Spring 2010 colors for the Paige Duffel will be in stores in February, and online at LaurenMerkin.com in early March. Here's what Lauren has to say about this beautiful bag:

D~ What inspired this design? 

L~ "With Paige we wanted to create a classic duffel that would come alive in all of the amazing leathers we use for our bags. We wanted a truly functional shape but one that would add sophistication to even the most casual outfit and still not feel too fussy. The amazing thing about our clutches is seeing the diversity of women, ages, and styles that wear the exact same bag. We hope Paige will have that same broad appeal."

D~ Why do love it? 

L~ "For me, Paige has all the features I need for day-to-day. It’s spacious enough that I can fit my essentials and then some—even my gym clothes when I am pushing it! The versatility of the bag is so great that I have barely carried another for the past five months!"

D~ What color are you currently carrying?

L~ "Since last fall, I have been carrying the Black Glitter Buffalo Paige on a daily basis. I rarely choose a black bag, but I love the shimmer of this material and the edge it adds. It is subtle but unique—exactly where my style leans. For spring, I have my eye on the Glazed Buffalo in Berry [shown above]. The color truly works with everything but is far from your typical neutral."

D~ If you had to choose one outfit to wear with it, what would it be? 

L~ "Skinny jeans, a flow-y blouse, a blazer and boots."

Naturally Baby [Soothing Mint Lime Calming Body Lotion]

 

The moment my sample of Upper Canada Soap's Naturally Baby lotion arrived, I new I'd love it because a hint of the mint-lime fragrance greeted me upon opening the package. One pump proved that my nose knows. I've been using it on my son for over a month now and I must admit that I dispense a little bit extra to use on my hands after giving him a pre-bedtime massage. It smells delicious. Free of parabens, mineral oil, synthetic dye and SLS, this line is made from botanical extracts, oils and mineral complexes. I'm eager to try the Blankey Wash and Room Freshener next because I'm simply addicted to the sweet smell. The line also includes Mild Shampoo, Gentle Baby Wash and Fragrance-Free Diaper Cream. Visit UpperCanadaSoap.com for info on where to purchase.

Heidi Merrick [Sale Code + Deneuve Dress]

In honor of her newborn baby girl, @HeidiMerrick is offering 25% off her collection. Just enter the code "babygirl" at checkout. I'd like one of each, including the breathtaking Denueve dress shown here. Shop online at HeidiMerrick.com

Lanvin [Aviators with Silver Trim]

 
Just in @shopzoeoline: Spring Lanvin. If I had $400 to blow on sunglasses I would buy these in a heartbeat. Let's see, could I skip a car payment? Ramen noodles for every meal for a few weeks? I am a slave to fashion for even considering such tactics. But these are A-mazing! Consider yourself lucky if you have money to burn on these incredible frames. Buy them at ShopZoeOnline.com

H Fredriksson [Envelope Cardi + Cropped Jacket] CUTDROP SALE

 
 
File this under affordable luxe: Cutdrop.com (@CUTDROP) is having an online pre-sale today, Wednedsay 1.27, for their upcoming sale at the Tribeca Grand on Friday, the 29th. I'm lusting over these items from H Fredriksson but you can also score beautiful pieces from Bliss Lau, Secta, Sturdy and others. Plus, 20% of proceeds benefit APEX, a nonprofit for inner-city youth.