THE RECYCLING RENEGADE: Remember your mother's old leather bomber jacket with multi-colored patchwork that you wanted to burn... or steal for your own? Either way, while leather jackets may be classic, some styles just can't be brought back from the dead. Enter recycle fiends, Novella Royale, an LA-based handbag company that turns those jackets that don't translate into this decade into fierce organic cotton-lined bags and clutches, with ever-so-current trends, like over-sized metal studs and tiered fringe. Order your own on their website.
SHOW OFF YOUR GENES: Our favorite TV transvestite, Rebecca Romijn, arrived at the TV Guide Comic-Con panel on Friday to promote her new show on ABC, Eastwick. Unfortunately, it seems she left her sense of style along with the cast and wardrobe mistresses of Ugly Betty. We might be a bit late in the fashion blog-o-sphere to get the best cackles out of her outfit, but we can all join in a brief chuckle over her, perhaps, event-appropriate pants. The faux leather (or real leather) "liquid" legging was all the rage (well, for some) last season, and today, we turn our noses at the thought of squeezing into them again this fall. However, a new trend is on the rise, testing our ability to strut around in spandex as a socially acceptable form of pants... the denim legging. No, we don't mean denim with a fair amount of spandex, we mean spandex with a slight twinge of denim. If you absolutely HAVE to have them, find a chic-as-they-get pair by Opening Ceremony at Fairfield online outpost, La Garconne, for 30 percent off.
HOW CHARMING: Enamel and gem jewelry international powerhouse, Jay Strongwater, creates charms that will make your mom the envy of all her Pandora-wearing pals. Birthstone lockets that mirror Fabergé eggs and whimsical and intricate insects, animals, and other symbols of endearment, link onto stately gold-link chains and bracelets with Swarovski-crystal embellished toggle clasps. Charms and chains can be bought separately, or as complete themed pieces at Saks Fifth Avenue in Stamford or online.
