These bags are so cool! Matt & Nat uses unusual and eco-friendly materials like vegan vinyl, treated cardboard and recycled Japanese paper to make their bags, while somehow maintaining the look and feel of leather. Even the distinctive hardware is earth friendly—the company uses only lead-free metals for the antiqued logo bars and zippers found on many of the handbags. If you're still not sold, the faux-suede lining is constructed from recycled water bottles! Now we don't feel so guilty about our Fiji water habit—thanks Matt & Nat!

See by Chloe bags are here! Expect more styles to arrive in the next few weeks, and check out our buyer's photos for a preview of what's coming.

Stylist Tip: See by Chloe purses sell out fast, so contact us to get on the waiting list!

Unabashedly feminine and classically cute, we love bows!

 

Clockwise from top to bottom: Insight Bowtie Dress; Soda Blu Sleeveless Bow Satin Dress; Sunner Blocked Bow Dress; Mason by Michelle Mason Tie Neck Halter Dress; Rag & Bone Frontier Shirt; SONIA by Sonia Rykiel Tank with Bow

Shop Party Essentials for Women:
Evening Dresses
Heels
Jewelry
Jackets, Wraps, and Sweaters
Style Guide: How to The Party Dress



Shop Party Essentials for Men:
Button Down Shirts
Sweaters
Blazers and Sportcoats
Trousers
Ties and Cufflinks
Dress Shoes

Ben Sherman is back. In the mid '90s when vintage started to boom and prices for second hand started to tick up, a lot of the venerable brands that were coveted finds made huge comebacks. Ben Sherman is one of the brands we're excited to have back in the fold. Ben Sherman's uniquely mod take on dressing has been imitated countless times but never matched. One of the largest brands in the U.K., Ben Sherman is back with the button-ups and retro-inspired sweaters that made it the uniform for cool lounge lizards everywhere.

How long did it take to make your first duct tape wallet, and do you still have it? It probably took me a couple of hours. Definitely a lot of trial and error at first. Essentially, I figured out a process to make my own wallets: tape sticky side up on table, tape sticky side down on table, make tape fabric, cut tape into pieces, tape together and fold into a wallet, add stunning design to exterior, put on a cute little branded db sticker on and go sell wallet at market. That was my life for about 5 years, but the wallets evolved as demand evolved. I constantly asked myself, “How do I make these things faster and better?”

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the greenest), how eco-friendly is your lifestyle? Probably a very low number. I’ve definitely been doing a lot of thinking about the topic of “green” recently. As my buddy Bruce would say, it is all a scam. Though I think it a worthwhile pursuit, I think it is being handled poorly by the fashion industry (and other industries as well). I am not trying to be a doomsayer, but from my perspective, the green movement by nature is counterintuitive. Fashion by nature spawns over-consumption and consumerism…not a bad thing necessarily, but something that is definitely ingrained in our society and is the antithesis of green. That said, I support the purpose of the movement. I agree with the ideas of social consciousness and sustainability and clean manufacturing. But the green movement is going to require an entire shift in our culture as we know it. It won’t be achieved overnight…but ideally we can figure it out before 2012!

For the 3.1 collection, you describe it as “eighteen life experience-based designs.” Which one is the most personal for you? I have a special soft spot in my cold dead heart for Adult Chores. DB Clay is moving quickly and often, I feel this whole wallet-company-building-project-thing is analogous to smoking cigarettes. Each day I work takes some time off my life. I certainly am addicted to lists but I tell you what, I love doing it, I love checking things off. I love commemorating life experiences vicariously through wallet design. If you weren’t creating for DB Clay, what would you be doing for a living? For the last 8 months DB Clay has been on the verge of implosion as well as explosion. A bit of a weird and wild dichotomy. I’ve often thought, “If this doesn’t work out, what I would want to do next?” If this all goes under, I would probably take a year off, walk around the world and clear my head and then probably come back and start a software company or work for a marketing firm. Or, maybe I would get into producing short films. What’s next for DB Clay? Handbags? Apparel? Good question! Perhaps our next big hill to climb is going to be DB Clay for women. And then we have plans to get into travel goods and software development. All along though, our goal is definitely to become the global standard for the word wallet. Wallets, wallets, wallets, etc.

What did you all do to celebrate your 10-year anniversary? We put out our Version 3.1 collection in celebration of a decade in the wallet business. Each of the 18 wallets tells a story of DB Clay, the team, how we got here, our life experiences, etc. This line signifies 10 years of hitting it hard. We also threw a party at one of our flagship Portland boutiques called Lizard Lounge. I probably drank some red wine, passed out and woke up at 6am the next morning to go into the office and work on year 11. What’s your favorite movie? Better off Dead If we had just one meal in Portland, where should we eat? Huber’s

Straight from an electro-pop show in Germany via the Austrailian coast, we present: throwback prints with a party attitude!

Cute new jewelry from tokidoki lets you keep your favorite characters close at all times.

Sometimes a brand comes along that you just connect with in every way. The look, the inspiration, the designers, the story. Haute Hippie is one of those brands. They describe themselves as "Five people, one seven year old girl and her small dog—designing, creating and working out of an apartment in New York." Sure, that's a cool story, but the reason we mention it is that bohemian spirit and creativity is completely captured in the individuality of the clothes. Haute Hippie is sophisticated when you want to be, sexy and fun when you want to be, and at all times elegant and chic.

You can't go wrong with this streetwise staple—hoodies are the ultimate in comfortable cool.

Of course we adore Frye boots, but there’s even more to love from Frye. Check out the equally chic shoe styles!

1. Dirty Librarian Chains Media Bracelet in Gold Tone

2. Grace Hats Alu Hat

3. Juicy Couture Allover Fairytale Boyshort in Regal

4. 3sixteen Trajectory T-shirt

5. Comme des Garcons Tartan Small Zip Wallet

6. Korres Body Butter Trio Gift Set

7. Minnetonka 3 in 1 Calf Hi Boots

8. Love Quotes Italian Linen Scarf in Romance

9. WeSC Bong Headphones in Ocean

10. G-shock Databank Watch (Available for Pre-Sale)

	Neutrals are great all year, but careful not to come across too dour. Open up the crayon box and don’t be shy with primary and jewel tone pops in solid basics and denim! Purple is the must-have color but pinks, yellows and blues are perfect with your staple leggings and black pants. Adding a pop color clutch can really make an outfit!		Matt & Natt Rebecca Minkoff Kerrigan by Daryl K Riller & Fount Modern Amusement Grace Sun Blank Cheap Monday Splendid Creative Recreation See by Chloe Ali Ro LnA Kill City

We love a local success story! When our friend Alex Valdman (aka Alval) stopped in to show us his Homeroom line of hoodies and wovens, we realized he was onto something original. And, it all began with a hoodie he made for himself that drew some special attention. Next thing you know, Kanye is placing orders for custom hoodies. Alex's mom used to be a seamstress for Chanel, so cutting and sewing is in the blood. We’re so proud to carry Homeroom and rock it whenever we can.

Everyday knits don't have to be bland, and that's what Julie Kwon is proving with Rhys Dwfen. Her luxe dresses and sweaters are simple but charming with a little bit of edge and unexpected design details. If you eat, sleep and drink cozy knits, it's a good time to get familiar with Rhys Dwfen as we just finished a lookbook and marked some fall pieces down.

Shawl cardigans are the it knit right now, for men and women. The vintage shawl collars are channeling grandpa lounging in the study and reading the Sunday paper. Now that's the kind of classic leisure vibe you want for an everyday casual layer. Toasty too!

1. Brown Sound Carmel Cardigan 2. Dunderdon Stanton Cardigan 3. Edun Stormy Shawlneck Sweater 4. Fiberops School Care Fleece Cardigan 5. Juicy Couture Elbow Sleeve Shawl Collar Cardigan 6. Stewart + Brown Cozy Cardigan 7. A.P.C. Croise Cardigan 8. Michael Stars Elbow Sleeve Shine Cardigan

There's something so comforting about buttery soft cashmere hugging you when it's chilly out. A toasty, never bulky luxe layer that slips under your favorite jacket, blazer even, with room to spare. Something special to treat yourself and the VIPs on your shopping list to this holiday season. You can never have too much cashmere!

	Be the girl with the most cake in Cobain hooded jackets and boyfriend jeans! No frills men's button-downs (get it in smaller sizes!) over graphic tees, and denim with a little fray make the statement that you dress for yourself, with no one else to impress. Wrap up that disheveled chic with oversized, work wear utilitarian parkas, anoraks and bombers! Black cut-out heels and edgy jewelry make tough look sexy.		291 YMC Cheap Monday Kerrigan by Daryl K Chie Mihara Anouk Nicholas K S.W.O.R.D Mike & Chris Creative Recreation BB Dakota PRPS Suh-Tahn Pour La Victoire

We're on board the boyfriend jean bandwagon, and it's definitely crowded. Some prefer actually buying guy's jeans and that's perfectly fine, but we prefer the boyfriend jeans made for women because the proportions are cut to women's curves (less frump) and the fits are by far more flattering. No one is more in tune with these proportions than ProportionofBlu.

In fact, designers Terrell Wick and Richard Atkins built the brand around the "golden ratio," which is way too much math theory to talk about here so we'll leave that for you to Wiki. What we do want to mention is how these Boyfriend Straight Leg Jeans are up there with Prps' as the best fitting boyfriend pairs we've tried on. And, these make side muffins disappear! The dark wash is hard to find in a boyfriend cut.

Just keep in mind that while they're true to size, our Stylists suggest going up 1 or 2 sizes if you're curvy. Chat with a Stylist if you're unsure.

Time flies when you're having fun! Check out the behind the scenes pics of the gang getting the 100th lookbook together.

Prps Barracuda Regular Straight Leg Jeans in Selvedge are in, and they're definitely our new favorite high-end denim for guys. For one, the denim quality is top shelf, African cotton and Japanese small shop crafted. The fit is refreshing because they're roomier, which is to say they're actually straight leg. Too many designer denim straight cuts should read "straight leg but still pretty damn slim." These Barracuda straights aren't too slim, and not too b-boy baggy either. Digging the clean pockets and nuance details that will make denim heads happy. The return of crotch rivets, discuss.

Body conscious and sophisticated, we're loving pencil skirts because they're so easy to take from day to night. It's a conservative sexy look that's just dying for a ruffled blouse and tailored jacket to complete that vintage Hollywood glam trend.

(TOP, left to right: LnA Pencil Skirt , Velvet Sintia Skirt, Diane von Furstenberg Vick Skirt, BB Dakota Brewster Skirt. BOTTOM, left to right: Bailey 44 Big Sleep Skirt, Opening Ceremony High Waisted Skirt, Mischen Zip Front Skirt, Black Halo Leather Waistband Pencil Skirt)

Don't feel guilty taking advantage of our free gift wrap promo (for orders over $250) because our gift packaging is the most eco-friendly in the industry!

Our gift boxes, tissue paper, folders, cards and stickers are made from 100% recycled material (40-50% post consumer waste), and by using only soy-based organic inks and aqueous varnish, they are also 100% biodegradable and recyclable. Even our shipping boxes are composed of 30% recycled materials with 100% recycled dunnage. Both shipping box and filling are 100% recyclable.

Our gift boxes are sturdy, so if your gift arrives in one please put it to good use after you're done opening presents! As always, we encourage you to resuse and recycle, every little bit counts!

	The new prepster trots through the academy gates decked in mini skirts with tuxedo inspired vests and tailored blazers. Take a crash course on classic button-downs, and don’t leave the grounds without ample bling and an overcoat. Now pull up those knee-high socks and get to class!		Rag & Bone Nicholas K Hunter Anouk F-Troupe YMC Left on Houston SONIA by Sonia Rykiel Mink Pink BB Dakota Juicy Couture Grace Hats

The shiny top is a nice night out alternative to the party dress. We're loving the way Lucky rocked out Mason's red silk tunic with a shrunken tuxedo jacket and crazy Studio 54 pants in their November issue! The tunic in the pic is sold out, but we just received a new batch of Mason tops and dresses. Michelle Mason has the going out look dialed this season, definitely worth a look!

	Latex, zippers and studs, oh my! Even the sexy party frock rocks hard with some VIP attitude this fall. Before taking your glam rock look on tour, don’t get on the bus without a motorcycle jacket and some lace tights. This fall’s playlist is shiny, edgy metal and all about destruction in heels!		Elizabeth & James PPQ S.W.O.R.D. Pour La Victoire Something Cheap Monday Kova & T Society for Rational Dress Grey Ant Haute Hippie Mike & Chris Foley + Corinna La Rok

Besides Diane von Furstenberg's vibrant green Benny Fitted Sexy Sleeveless Dress getting some nice pub in the December issue of Us Weekly, here's a classic example of "it's how you wear it." Paris looks uncomfortable, like she's holding her breath for a corset fitting, and her left eye is doing that allergy season itchy squint thing. Poor girl's lucky to get 11%. Carmen always looks smoking hot in DvF dresses, especially the wraps. It's not fair, every DvF dress looks like it was especially made for her. So, our vote goes to Ugly Betty's Becki Newton because (Carmen always wins in DvF) she looks the most comfy in it, and she's having the most fun! At least in these photos, she's wearing the dress best, while Paris is letting the dress wear her...out.

This is one of our favorite seasons for DvF, tons of party dresses and going out looks that are super sexy and flattering. Oh, we've got some exclusive prints too!

Back in September, we held our 2-Year Anniversary Fashion Show at Mezzanine and invited you all to participate in a model contest. The finalists all walked the runway and the crowd favorite that night was Kamal Ravikant. As promised, here is his long awaited lookbook! Our stylists seriously put him to work so make sure to take a peek at your favorite salt and pepper haired consultant hamming it up in this season's hottest looks! Thanks Kamal!

The Iosselliani new arrivals are here, and it just keeps getting better. Our favorites this time around are the Chain Link Bracelet and the 2 Pendant Necklace. It's such a perfect combo for every single one of our favorite party season looks! Chic bling but tough, with some one-of-a-kind vintage details. You'll want at least one piece in this collection!

For every $30 you spend on Sharps products, you'll get a free full-size bottle of their Conditioning Shampoo. Not a teeny, dime bag dollop sampler, but a free 8.5 fl. oz. worth—the size that we sell regularly for $12. It's perfect for the traveler too, it's shampoo and conditioner in one so you can leave one bottle behind. It lathers creamy and the peppermint picks you up.

	Ladylike with a wink! Knee-length pencil skirts with feminine, ruffled blouses are tucked in and tailored jackets belted for 9-to-5 sexy librarian. After work, slip into ’40s and ’50s Hollywood glamour with body conscious keyhole dresses and tops, and get into character with a trench and fedora. Coy is key, and knockout pumps are the essential hint!		Sea Mason Modern Amusement Vince Theory Diane Von Furstenberg Opening Ceremony Black Halo Mara Hoffmann

Don't cut your long list short, there's smart buys out there, you just have to know where to look. Refinery 29's "On the List: Our 50 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts Under $100," is a good place to start. First on their list? Cheap Monday Girl Gradient Socks! Cheap Monday is a great spot to cross names off, as pretty much the entire collection is under $100, including denim, sweaters and jackets!

Here's another reason not to wait in long department store lines: there are some things you just can't find there, like exclusive Diane von Furstenberg prints! Taken from the DvF archives, these prints can only be found at Tobi and a select few specialty shops!

The Diana Dress is a classic silk DvF wrap, and the stretchy silk is great for all body types. The honeycomb-like Dessau Grid print brings the iconic dress to life and is definitely one of our favorite black and white prints, so versatile and just in time for party season!

Lindsay Lohan tops off her boyfriend jeans with some shiny glam and Grey Ant's Status Sunglasses in the December issue of Harper's Bazaar!

Elizabeth and James was named a "Hot Label" in the November issue of In Style UK's "Style Candy," and the Dandy Vest shown is one of the reasons why.