Moto à la Mode

Italian hand-stitched leather, diamond quilting, subtle sculpting, and a stacked heel. These are not style terms usually associated with mainstream motorcycle accessories, yet Ralph Lauren has managed to do so with the creation of the Caruthers motorcycle boot. The designer best known for his classic and refined lifestyle and clothing empire has now taken it one step further, and created a boot that is equally at home on the open road as well as the city street. With equestrian inspired details such as a sculpted calf, stacked leather heel, hand-finished buckle details, and quilted shin plates, the boot calls to mind the traditional leather shinguards worn by polo players, yet melds these visual and functional qualities into a product geared toward a rider of a different type with the addition of a reinforced leather plate to resist the abrasion of countless stylish upshifts. Priced at $1200, and embodying the refined and rugged spirit of the Ralph Lauren brand, these boots are sure to garner attention both on the road as well as off, and remain a versatile and stylish staple for years to come.

-Stephen Fisher-

Weekly Trend Report: Heavy Metals

Heavy Metals

I'll say it up front, I love the look of black with some great gold or silver bold studding on it. I think it's just one of those things that if done right, can look effortlessly chic and spectacular, but if done wrong can look like a Bedazzled mess. I pulled together a few pieces that I really liked and I think could be a great addition to any wardrobe, and the best thing is that for the most part, these pieces can go with anything, and can be dressed up or down depending on your mood and taste.

Balmain has been doing some great things with studding and embellishments lately, as evidenced by this spectacular dress. The dress is studded with both metal studs and crystal, giving it that edginess yet a sense of refined chic as well, allowing it to feel equally at home at both a downtown party or walking 5th Avenue.

The classic. The Hermes Collier de Chien is a perennial classic and has been for years. This bracelet looks amazing when paired with a sleek black dress, or my favorite, a simple pair of dark jeans and a tee. I believe that this is the most versatile item that I have pulled up and is definately a great style investment for any woman (or even the brave man.)

These heels by Emilio Pucci are great due to the fact that they are not overtly studded and ostentatious, yet possess the right amount of detail and design to make you really be able to wear them as an understated statement piece. I think that these would look amazing with a pair of skinny black ankle cropped pant to visually elongate the legs of the wearer and allow her to appear taller and draw attention to the ankle detailwork.

I absolutely love these pants by Ellery due to the fact that they are just a normal pair of black pants, but possess just the right amount of studding to keep them interesting and sexy. They almost resemble studded legwarmers from afar, and I think would be a very easy and versatile pair to wear for many occasions.

This satchel by Tori Burch is a great piece because of the fact that it is so casual yet does not feel it. The studs and sheen of both the metal and leather coupled with the shape of the bag suggest a refined style, yet it can truly be carried in any situation and I think is a great casual bag and a great alternative to all of the frumpy bags I have been seeing on the streets lately.

Ok, so this Balenciaga piece isn't exactly studded, but I had to include it for two reasons, one being that I love the detail of the embossing to make it resemble studding, and the second being that is a mens piece. I love studded pieces for men, but it is extremely hard to find a piece that either does not look like a goth kid from Iowa would be wearing it, or looking like it would be better suited for Folsom Street Fair than Fifth Avenue. I believe that this piece does a great job of suggesting the studding, yet not actually possessing the studs, a trick that in itself is great while also being a chic alternative to your everyday billfold.

--Stephen Fisher--