FashionEtc.com April 20th, 2024

It's raining, so that must mean I'm looking at accessories. Really, life does get a wee bit predictable at times, no? Today I trudged out to see Botkier. Alas, I did not miss the downpour.

I've always liked Botkier bags—not the Target collab ones, but the brand's actual line. The leather tends to be well done, the bags interestingly designed. The resort collection is full of bright colors (fuchsias and reds, greens, and blues) as well as some more neutral hues. The most interesting bags were the butterscotch lambskin ones. The material looked more like a waxed linen than lambskin—even after touching I wasn't convinced. But I dig the bag!

Photo: A lambskin bag from Botkier's Resort 2012 collection

'Tis the season to be jolly! Yes, it's holiday time, or it was yesterday at Banana Republic's editor's showing. Creative director Simon Kneen was—indirectly—inspired by Kate Middleton. "She wasn't in the mind at the time. It was perfect timing that we all discovered Kate together. And what I like about Kate is that she's really making the role her own. She's not stepping into someone else's shoes. She's really owning it, and it's feeling modern and fresh. "

Nothing, and I mean nothing can shake me out of my lethargic state on a sluggish Tuesday. Not even the lobster roll I inhaled. The only possible cure? Shoes. Thankfully Stuart Weitzman held its Resort preview today. The brand's delving into fun materials for resort, including cork and Lucite. Don't expect the cork to be in just heels and wedges however. A cork pump caught my eye. I’m not sure how comfortable it will be to wear but it looked pretty darn cool.

Speaking of wedges, there were plenty here. My favorite pair was chocolate brown with gold detailing, with a heel height that was very manageable. (As I get older, my heels get smaller. Sad but true.) But Stuart Weitzman offered up higher than high ones as well, in embossed leather (python!) and fabric and rope.