Fall in Love

Can I tell you... how much I'm loving my Fall 2009 collection. This season I channeled the glory days of New York City’s nightlife in the late 80s. All those nights spent at Susanne Barstch's Copa parties and Jackie 60 on 14th street translated into pieces that let Uptown girls flaunt their Downtown Edge.
My modern day muses are venturing into Williamsburg with their iPods loaded with The Ting Tings and Karen O. They have a flair for mixing and layering making it all look so effortless. The heels are higher than ever and the bags are gently distressed and occasionally perforated with carefully placed zippers, studs and chains. All these elements add up to that tough yet sophisticated vibe so prevalent this season.

Let's start with some of my loves. I am obsessed with function. I believe in accessories that truly help make your life easier. When you marry function with design, the results can be spectacular. Take the Bethany glazed leather hobo inspired by details from the classic Perfecto motorcycle jacket. There are 3 outside pockets and 2 inside organizational compartments; details that you have come to expect with every Rafe bag. It's stunning in black but in bordeaux, it's a traffic stopper!

Next up, the Shenae motorcycle bootie. This is so kick-ass sexy it's on everybody's wish list. It's got a cool rock'n'roll vibe to it. Pair it with skinny jeans for day or your LBD (little black dress) and it changes your whole look. I like mixing tough and feminine elements, it makes the look less predictable.  For slumming around the city, I highly recommned the small Shenae cross body in perforated lambskin with a gold underlayer so there's a slight hint of metallic. It's the perfect size, trust me! I love it in black but I love it even more in taupe.

I'm having a major plum moment. It's a rich deep color that goes with almost everything. This Jordana ruffled convertible hobo in buttery soft washed lambskin is a key piece. You can lengthen the straps so you can wear it across your body leaving your hands free or snap the strap back unto itself to wear it on your shoulder. Two looks for the price of one, what's not to love?!

New Yorkers love to walk and these Rebecca suede boots were certainly made for walking. The mid cone heel gives you just enough height but won't have you in pain after a few hours. You can tuck your jeans into them or wear them with wool tights and shorts,(yes, shorts!) if you have the gams and the guts for it. In this photo, she's wearing it with the Elizabeth ruffle large tote in brown washed lambskin. It's the lightest and easiest tote out there. You're in and out in a snap, literally! The leather gets a nice patina the more you wear it and bang it around.

I love the nightlife, I love to boogie...you know the rest! New York has the most amazing nightlife and the best parties. Head over to the BoomBoom Room with the Pixie clutch and you'll be sure to bypass the velvet rope. It makes a bold statement and holds all your evening's necessities and then some! And don't worry about the sequins coming off, they're printed on leather! Isn't that genius?! I know some girls who have bought both silver and gold versions. For evening, gold and silver are basics in my opinion.

Contradiction and unexpected combinations makes for distinctive and memorable design. I thought it would be cool to mix different metal finishes with different sizes of chain then hand stitching them unto the flap of a bag. This way you never have to worry about matching your jewelry, not that anybody really does anymore. Can I tell you... it's beyond fabulous! Everybody, and I mean everybody who sees the Erin flap clutch falls in love with it. I imagine Rachel Zoe seeing this clutch and uttering her famous phrase, "I die!"

Check out the rest of the Rafe collection online. I'm hoping that you'll fall in love with a piece or two or three! Drop me a line, post a comment!