CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Lyric Culture; Primp; Theory look styled by Kate Young; Missoni for Converse; Rebecca; Novella Royale
LOS ANGELES
BAG LADY
Meet our new obsession, Novella Royale handbags— further proof eco-friendly doesn’t mean boring. To avoid the waste that comes with using brand-new materials, designer Mary Myers uses vintage leather jackets to craft each bag by hand right here in LA. The results are one-of-a-kind pieces with varying colors, distressing and seaming. Staying true to the “green” theme, each bag is lined with organic fabric. Our favorite detail? The oversize studs that lend a touch of punk. Madison, 8745 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles; novellaroyale.com
PRIMP MY CLOSET
Since 2005 celebs with a taste for casual cool (Lauren Conrad, Vanessa Hudgens) have been sporting Primp’s printed thermals and hoodies. Recently though, Primp’s designer and FIDM grad Wells Butler has expanded the line to include dressier items, such as tops, dresses and jackets in bright, tribal-inspired patterns and graphic prints. Also be on the lookout for Primp Girl—classic Primp styles for the younger set. Kitson, 115 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles; itsprimp.com
SIZE MATTERS
Nothing completes an evening look like a stunning statement ring, and jewelry house Rebecca makes baubles we want to wear night and day. We love how the matalessé pattern shines on this perfectly big ring from Rebecca’s Melrose collection, and the three colored stones in Rebecca’s Signature style from the Tropezienne collection really dazzle. What could be better than an accessory that makes an outfit? Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles; testiusa.com
WEST HOLLYWOOD
IN THEORY
To correspond with the launch of its new e-commerce site, chic basics line Theory has also unveiled its Fashion Insider program. Seventeen stylists raided Theory’s collection and created outfits consumers can either buy intact or mix and match on their own. In short, it’s a chance to be styled by names usually reserved for Hollywood’s elite, such as Andrea Lieberman (who works with Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz), Leslie Fremar (clients include Charlize Theron and Reese Witherspoon) and Kate Young (stylist to Natalie Portman and Diane Kruger). Log on and you’ll be camera-ready in no time. 8428 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; theory.com
MUSIC AND LYRICS
Wearing your heart on your sleeve is so last year. With LA-based Lyric Culture’s unique line of tees, fashion tops, leather jackets, scarves, belts and jewelry, you can wear your favorite lyrics from such music legends as Elvis Presley, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Janis Joplin on your clothes. The line’s founder and designer, Hanna Rochelle Schmieder (a singer/ songwriter herself), recently introduced two new lightweight scarves bearing the words from “Revolution” by The Beatles and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones. The text-strewn designs pair with everything, so go ahead and turn your closet into a playlist. After all, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need,” and Lyric Culture fashions are what we need right now. Fred Segal, 8100 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; lyricculture.com
BEVERLY HILLS
SNEAK ATTACK
We love the classic simplicity of the iconic Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars, but we are blown away by its couture makeover this season courtesy of Missoni. The high-top sneakers now come in Missoni’s zigzag pattern in two colors, pulled straight from the fall 2010 runway collection. When asked why she chose to work with Chuck Taylors, the brand’s creative director, Angela Missoni, says, “It’s mythical to me—the [shoes] that girls and boys have worn for decades are still the coolest today.” If you haven’t visited Missoni’s sparkling new Rodeo Drive flagship yet, get in there fast before all the haute high-tops are gone. 469 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills; missoni.com
