Happy Birthday A New Mode!

One year… I almost can’t believe it. It all started about a year and a half ago. Eric and I were on the phone and I was telling him how badly I wanted to start my own site. I had been talking about it for a while and Eric gave me the courage and motivation to stop talking and start doing. Once the seed was planted, we started brainstorming on ways to create a site that would bring something new and different to a world so heavily saturated with blogs. Exactly one year ago, I told you about our vision for ANM and from then until now, we’ve worked tirelessly to make the site everything we promised it would be. [continue reading…]

Handbags are very personal items for women. It does more than just hold our belongings. It’s a symbol of identity, status and style so it’s important you find something that accurately reflects who you are. Why else do women spend a small fortune on an accessory?

To ring in the new decade, treat yourself to a fabulous new piece of arm candy. Pick something that conveys who you want to be in 2010. Aiming to be a better multi-tasker? There’s a convertible bag out there with your name on it. Trying to toughen up? Think hardware. Need motivation to use that gym membership? A chic new nylon tote should do the trick. Dying for a promotion at work? A gorgeous structured bag screams power and “I’m so on top of it!”

And for you high-achieving gals who want it all, there’s only one way…get all these bags! [continue reading…]

Accessories make the outfit. How many times have you heard that one? Well, learn it and make it your fashion M.O. this season. When you can’t splurge on a new wardrobe every season (and who can these days?), the right accessories can freshen up your look and stretch your closet.

So shake things up. If you live in your flat riding boots, try a suede over-the-knee boot. Trade in your usual black tights for a bright or patterned pair. I’m loving jewel tones to punch up basic black or a demure Swiss dot pattern to accent your finest party-wear. And you should know my theory on jewelry by now…it wakes up any tired look!

Any of these seemingly small additions will instantly revamp your look in a big way. The point is this: people are more likely to remember a fantastic bib necklace or cage platform than another little black dress.

Read on to see my favorite wardrobe-transforming accessories!

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Leather is back in a big way. No longer exclusive to the biker babe, the new shapes are sleek and stylish, yet still maintain an edge. On the runway, Alexander Wang, Balmain and Phi showed the most memorable pieces, while a bevy of other designers did amazing looks too. For everyday wear, follow these tips.

Let the leather piece take center stage. Everything else should serve as a complement. If you go with leather bottoms, temper it with a floaty chiffon blouse or slouchy cashmere sweater and punctuate the look with a thick cuff. Though playing up the rocker vibe is a natural choice, I say it’s all about the unexpected pairings this season.

Of course, every girl needs a go-to motorcycle jacket in her repertoire. A leather blazer is a great option as well. A vest is also a great transitional item to wear over summer pieces now and heavier knits later. Throw these toppers over everything you own, from jeans to dresses, for instant street cred. It’s so chic when it almost seems like an afterthought.

Leather can cost you a week’s paycheck (or more), but if you find one must-have stunner, it’ll last forever and get better with age. The fit should be flawless. Find form-fitting pieces that aren’t skintight. It’s also crucial that the material does not look like cheap poly blend – even if it is. Don’t risk looking trashy (there, I said it). Luckily, there are great faux options out there; just scour Zara or Urban Outfitters.

Takeaway lesson: despite it’s intimidating looks, leather is pretty versatile when you’ve got a few stylish tricks up your sleeve. Any way you wear it, it’s got attitude. Motorcycle optional.

Read on for some of my top leather finds!

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Cross-body bags were once reserved for moms and mailmen. But as with other ‘80s staples that are reappearing for the fall, savvy designers have given it a glamorous makeover. The new cross-bodies are made of buttery soft leathers, redone in contemporary shapes, and adorned in hardware.

What’s so appealing about the cross-body bag? The hands-free factor is liberating. I particularly opt for these styles when running errands or going out at night. I also love how they can instantly lend an outfit a relaxed vibe. Of course, as a fan of contrast, I prefer wearing these casual bags with girly things – frocks, florals and frills. Few things are chicer than a fabulous dress with a long chain bag draped on your shoulder.

To keep the silhouette polished and not juvenile, it’s key to choose a size that doesn’t overwhelm you. Look for shapes that lie effortlessly against your body, whether it be saddle, pouch, or bucket. Don’t wear it too long or it looks sloppy.
Convertible bags earn extra points for its versatility and multi-use purpose. You get two or more styles out of one great bag. Hey, it’s a recession. Shop smart and get more bang for your hard-earned buck.

Read on for my top 10 picks! [continue reading…]

Ah, summer…the official season of musical festivals and the perfect season to channel your inner hippie chick.

The bohemian trend has seen a great evolution in recent seasons. When the style originated in the 1960s and ‘70s, it was more about a free-spirited lifestyle. Then a few years ago, Sienna Miller kick-started “boho-chic” with her effortless combination of gypsy and luxe. Head-to-toe bohemian can seem a bit outdated these days, but when infused with a little rock ‘n roll, it becomes modern and relevant.

Accessories, as always, are the easiest way to segue into a trend. Start with an ensemble of denim cutoffs and flowy print tunics. Blend in traditional bohemian accents such as fringe and leather in the form of a handbag or hair accessories. Then balance the look with harder elements like studs and metal.

As with clothing, jewelry is all about layers. Pile on the wooden bangles, beads and friendship bracelets. Mix in gold coins or natural stones to highlight the vibrant colors of your clothing.

Boho-rock is an unstudied mix of inspirations and trends. Stylistas like Kate Moss, Mischa Barton and Mary-Kate Olsen are big proponents of haute hippie. They prove that to perfect the look is to embrace your own individuality. So go wild, child.

Read on for my top boho-rock picks! [continue reading…]

Behold the statement bracelet. It is easier to pull off than its counterpart, the statement necklace, yet still packs a juicy punch. For starters, when the mercury rises, the last thing you need is an ornate necklace sticking to yourself. Statement arm candy is also easier to wear since it’s away from your face. With just one piece, you can add impact to last year’s wardrobe – how very recessionista of you!

Invest in a major, knockout, stop ’em dead cuff to wear with everything in your closet. It should become your signature piece. Another option is to stack bangles of assorted shapes and sizes à la Emilio Pucci and Louis Vuitton for a similar eye-catching effect. Mix and match to create a unique combination all your own. Go over-the-top and have fun!

Statement bracelets really work with anything (okay, maybe except flouncy or ruffled sleeves). I love the look of a blazer with pushed up sleeves and a bejeweled bracelet. Or a chunky cuff with an ethnic print dress. Or a truly spectacular piece with a worn-in tee and jeans. For a bohemian vibe, wear a gilded adjustable cuff on your upper arm. You really have no excuse for letting your arms go bare.

While oversized jewelry is great for dressing up simple outfits, don’t shy away from pairing with the bold prints and graphics dominating spring collections. Nothing should be too matchy-matchy. Juxtapose retro and modern; earthy and glam; wild and demure. It’s the one time it’s okay to contradict yourself.

Check out 10 truly statement-making bracelets after the jump! [continue reading…]

Like it or not, we are slowly seeing the return of the ’80s. Shoulder pads, body con dresses, and even biker shorts. It can seem daunting – especially for those around back then! – but when approached with a fresh and modern eye, virtually anything can be seen as en vogue.

Neon is one of these trends that may be hard to pull off, but can be successful in small doses. If you’re scared of looking like a Post-It or a raver, skip the head-to-toe looks and go for a flash of color via the accessories route. Eye-popping hot pinks, electric greens, and acid yellows were all the rage this spring for DKNY, Doo.Ri, and Isaac Mizrahi. And I am still swooning after the Matthew Williamson day-glo python platforms. Neon perfection if it ever existed, I tell you!

The trick to making fluorescent work this decade is using it to accent neutral colors like cream, dove grey, navy and black. I love the idea of using a shocking accessory to add a jolt of electricity to classic and feminine silhouettes. Unless you want to look like a walking flashback, don’t do neon accessories with leggings, off-the-shoulder or oversized t-shirts, and anything too juvenile looking. Keep it simple and sophisticated.

If the Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, and Versace Fall 2009 runway shows are any indication, it seems like neon will still be relevant next season. So buy these accessories today and wear them now and later. Glow on!

Check out 10 fabulous neon picks at all price-points after the jump! [continue reading…]

One of the quickest – and chicest – ways to update your wardrobe is by accessorizing. And the accessory du jour is the statement necklace. I, for one, can’t wait to pair them with everything and anything.

For spring 2009, designers are completely enamored with the exaggerated necklace. It made countless appearances on runways – Lanvin, Marni, and Marc, oh my! They came in all different shapes and styles (bib, collar, choker, ribbon, layered, twisted), but only one size: huge. The mantra seems to be go big or go home.

The amazing thing about the necklace is that it hits all the current trends yet is surprisingly pretty democratic. Invest in one gorgeous stunner or dabble in all the trends with wallet-happy picks from Target, Forever 21 or Banana Republic.

Luckily, there’s no wrong way to wear the piece of jewelry this season. Perk up solid tops and shift dresses with a dramatic, colorful neckpiece. For a more casual and unexpected take, try with jeans, the perfect white tee, and major heels. Voila, instant glamour. Despite the traditional school of thought that ornate jewelry should not be worn with busy prints, I say take a risk! The brave and courageous should follow the runway’s lead and layer over polka dots or boho patterns. However, please step away from the bangles, earrings, and rings. This look does not translate in real life.

Bottom line: it’s a statement any way you dress it. But for fashion’s sake, wear the necklace; don’t let it wear you!

Check out 10 amazing Statement Necklaces after the jump! [continue reading…]

Summer is just about to pick up in full gear and with the warm weather means the fun and joy of spending more time outside, especially at the beach.  Running around in the sand, getting your tan on – it’s all a blast!  It’s the finding what to wear part that can pose a problem.

Bikini shopping ranks up there with jean shopping for us ladies, meaning it’s not all that enjoyable.  But that’s about to change!  Like anything, It’s all about finding the right style so here are some tips to get you started on your journey to new summer swim wear!

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Bed bugs. The general public agrees that they’re hard to get and even harder to get rid of. But with most cases residing in foreign countries and NYC apartments, it’s safe to say that the rest of the country has little to worry about … right?

Wrong! According to experts, bed bugs aren’t just risks at hostels, dirty motels or crowded NYC apartment buildings. Recently, national clothing stores, media companies and prestigious opera houses have fallen victim to bed bug invasion. And then there’s those cases in wealthy South Florida hotels, suburban Los Angeles homes and even in college dorms. Looks like bed bugs are leaving urban mattresses in search of greener pastures.

No matter where they come from or where they’re going, between the hours of 1AM and 5AM these creepy crawly critters want to snuggle with you in the warmth of your bed for a quick bite to eat and an even quicker scamper back to their dark, secret hiding places. They’re spreading their blood-sucking selves into the beds of warm human bodies nationwide, and if you aren’t careful with your shopping habits, you may be welcoming an expensive exterminator along with those new bedmates of yours.

Sure, thrifty finds are unique and cheap, but the exterminator? He’ll need $1000+ to take care of your little creepy crawlies. No need to go into panic mode because fortunately, there are measures you can take to enjoy thrifty finds and avoid bedbugs.

Read on for my advice on how to best avoid bringing bed bugs home with you when shopping thrift and second-hand finds. [continue reading…]

The old adage ‘a little bit goes a long way,’ is true of many things in life, especially makeup! You don’t need to be a makeup pro to know how to make the most out of the contents in your beauty drawer. You don’t even need a face full of perfectly applied on makeup to look amazing. All you really need is to know the right tricks that will deliver maximum results with minimal effort, now who doesn’t love that? Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of liner, or the perfect shade of lipstick, to take you from blah to beautiful in 10 seconds flat.

Read on for six simple little tricks that make a huge difference! [continue reading…]