On the Radar -- Summer Lace

Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2013

The dress to have this summer is a LWLD, or a little white lace dress. We know, we know.  We posted about lace trends last fall.  But it's still happening, people!  When you've got Valentino, D&G, and Stella McCartney (just to name a few) making LWLDs, well, they're still the thing.

Isla Fisher wore this D&G eyelet lace dress to Cannes just a few days ago.

I don't really care for it, but here's Stella's version of the LWLD, just to make my point:

And here's Valentino's LWLDs, which I like much better:

French Connection's got one, too:

And here's my favorite vintage picks, from Etsy.  These are a tiny fraction of the price of the previous ones, and have soooooooooooo much more personality, IMHO:

From Stardust Vintage on Etsy, here.

From Jackie and Audrey on Etsy, here.

On the Radar -- Meow!

Audrey Hepburn knows it's true...

It's the year of the cat!  (Well, not really...)  But imagine my delighted surprise when I started seeing cat eye sunglasses in all the designers' spring/summer collections!  We love a cat eye frame -- and we happen to think, both of us Blackbirds, that there is nothing quite as alluring as a raised eyebrow over dark tilted lenses.  Any girl can achieve that sex kitten perfection with cat eye sunnies.  (At least in our own minds we can.  And, oh, by the way, pun intended.) 

Cat eyes are classic but have soooooo much more personality that many other frames.  You can play with colors and sizes, like other glasses, but think of the different tilts that are available.  You can go extreme or subtle, rhinestone bedecked flashy or quiet sophistication.  It's all in how you wear them and how bold you want to be. 

Here's a sampling of some of the new offerings from current designers:

We both agree that these Diors are smoking hot sexy...

Tory Burch

Stella McCartney

And now my two fave vintage finds, because you should always dare to go vintage...

From holdenism on Etsy.  Available here.

From Last Prize Vintage on Etsy.  Available here.

On the Radar -- Crystal Clear

Stella McCartney, Spring 2013

Fact: the Blackbird girls love Lucite.  Any kind of Lucite.  Fortunately, it's pretty clear to us that Lucite has inspired lots of people lately.  (Sorry, I have to say that pun was intended.)  Stella McCartney, Valentino, Givenchy...just to name a few.

It's not just Lucite that everyone's crushing on, though.  Plastic, vinyl, glass -- it could be anything.  It just needs to be clear, shiny, and sparkly -- and POOF! Instant glamour!  Instant pizazz! 

(Just make sure what's inside that clear purse is just as pretty as the outside.  And no unmentionable items, please.  That could get embarrassing.)

Valentino jacket, Spring 2013

Givenchy, Spring 2013

And it's not just fashion that's in love.  Home decor's jumping on the bandwagon, too.

Jonathan Adler, Bel Air Test Tube Vase

And as I always say, go vintage, young one.  It's always the cooler choice.  (And usually cheaper!)

Vintage Sunglasses from Green Flamingo Vintage on Etsy

1970s Lucite Ice Bucket from AtomicDog67 on Etsy