Accessories

Between its functionality and the sleek structural shape, it wasn't even a question of whether or not we liked Derek Lam's Fall '12 bag fare. Rather, a better question would be: when can we get our hands on the Newton camera bag ($1,390)? The answer? Now. The price tag may be a little steep, but here are three reasons why this style should be your next accessory splurge. One: The stark, boxy silhouette is classic, through and through. As in, you can count on this bag being a go-to favorite for seasons to come. Two: You can schlep your camera around, no problem. But the less-obvious zinger is that it's roomy enough to hold the bonus essentials (read: a compact mirror, lipstick, and a minibrush). Three: It's the perfect size for any occasion, and to add to its versatility, most camera bags double as crossbody bags, too. Whether you're taking in the sights somewhere, running errands, or are off to a swanky dinner, this is it. We get that the Derek Lam iteration might be a bit of a budget stretch so, if you love the idea of a camera bag, you're still in the right place. See our picks below to get in our latest Fall bag crush.

Today, Dubai's Level Shoe District opened its doors and became the world's largest shoe store, trumping all other massive shoe spaces by a long shot — which is actually saying a lot. Within the last year, there's been quite a focus (for mass retailers, that is) to make their footwear departments bigger and better than ever. In effect, Saks Fifth Avenue enhanced its 10022-Shoe section in NYC with a more prominent contemporary component and 32,150 square feet of space to showcase the goods; Barneys opened an entirely new floor — 22,000 square feet to be exact — in its NYC flagship; and London's Selfridges has devoted 35,000 square feet to its shoe selection.

But perhaps the most interesting one-upmanship of all comes from the latest shoe store square-off. Only two months into its reign as the "world's largest," Macy's shiny new (and massive) 39,000-square-foot shoe department, aptly called Miracle on 34th Street, has been swiftly pushed to second place now that Dubai's Level exists. Let's make that a distant second place, too. Level currently boasts 96,000 square feet, with a selection of up to 15,000 different shoe styles available at any given time. Translation: that's some serious, serious shoe shopping. And even the most devout shoe lovers have their work cut out for them, no matter how you spin it. While we are self-professed footwear fanatics, we're getting a little overwhelmed just thinking about how many pairs we'd be faced with in one visit. What do you think about this shoe store expansion trend? Are you all for a comprehensive one-stop shop? Or does this seem over the top to you? Weigh in in the comment section below.

Source: Fashion Gone Rogue

Instead of wearing your heart on your sleeve, we're getting into the presidential-election spirit by wearing our party — or bipartisanship — on our feet. Thanks to one cool collaboration (TOMS teamed up with LA-based screen-printing artists HIT + RUN) and the most important domestic current event just around the corner, we've got three pairs of classic canvas slip-ons that certainly aren't lacking in the patriotism department. At the root of this particularly timely shoe collab, though, is an effort to encourage people to hit the polls come Nov. 6. We're not here to tell you who to vote for, but rather, that the most important thing is to vote. If it means wearing a fun reminder somewhere you can't forget — er, on your feet — we're all in favor. Plus, if you wear them with a great pair of skinny jeans, a crisp white button-up, and an oversize knitted sweater, you've got yourself a laid-back-meets-academic ensemble at the ready.

Priced at $58 a pair, these slip-ons come in a Vote 2012 style (pictured), a Democratic style, or a Republican style.

Stacy Keibler is at it again — in all black — at the Macallan Masters of Photography launch in NYC. This time, though, with considerably less cutouts and overt sex appeal. Sure, we may never be able to completely forget that stunning Azzedine Alaia number, but this particular ensemble proved sleek, sophisticated, and surprisingly dynamic. Here's the thing: her layered-up look got its standout polish via its close-cut silhouette, silky proportions, and oh yeah, that bright watermelon-hued envelope clutch definitely added a little something extra. It's another flawless style performance from Stacy, and the best part? It's an outfit that we (and you) probably already own. With just a few tweaks and styling tips, this slick monochromatic uniform is already looking like an early contender for Friday night.

• Like we've said before (and it's worth repeating), not all of us share Stacy's lanky figure. So, it doesn't make sense to emulate the leggings look if it's not going to work for you. Instead, opt for denim. A form-fitted pair of black jeans — but cut at ankle length, like hers — will shape your legs and butt with a little more fabric support.
• We're loving her long silky blouse-and-cropped jacket combo, but if you're looking to try the inverse proportion that will work just as well. Tuck in your black button-up blouse — or do the "half tuck" for a little on-trend styling — and pair it with a black leather jacket that hits just below the hip. That way, you're still playing with the juxtaposition of lengths, and when it comes to all-black looks, you can certainly keep things interesting just by nailing that proportion equation.
• As for accessories, there's no doubt that Stacy did right by that vibrant red envelope clutch. It immediately drew our eye into the rest of her outfit, and well, it's the definition of a statement piece. If you don't own a red clutch, that's OK. Our mission to you is this: grab the boldest bag in your closet, provided it's something you'd actually want to wear, and make your ensemble pop with that one item. Trust us, it worked for Stacy. It will work for you.

Keds are often the finishing touch on Taylor Swift's many cute, classic looks, so it comes as no surprise that she's inked a three-year collaboration with the iconic sneaker company. Swift told WWD, "I've been a fan of Keds for years, because they have two of my favorite elements of great style — they're classic and effortless. I remember wearing Keds as a little kid, while riding my bike around the farm."

She may have worn them as a little kid, but it's the way she wears them now that caught the company's eye. Taylor's style is classic and feminine with a healthy dose of prep, and the country pop star has been spotted numerous times wearing Keds. If Keds is a classic American sneaker brand, it doesn't get more classic American than Swift this Summer, spotted hanging out in Cape Cod with boyfriend Conor Kennedy. Keds brand president Rick Blackshaw said, "Taylor is a shining example of what can happen when you set your mind to something," and he continued to explain that the brand resonates with "bold, unique girls who are brave enough to be themselves." According to WWD, signing Taylor is part of the company's larger brand strategy to expand their women's line, including apparel. Might we see Taylor's influence in clothing, too — perhaps some of her sweet, feminine dresses?

The first sneaker to be unveiled from the collaboration is a limited-edition red champion style, which is no surprise considering the champion is the first sneaker Keds introduced in 1916 — my, my, such an old sneaker can feel so young — and Swift's latest album is titled Red.