WE LUST THIS: A LUX CLUTCH

Stella McCartney, $995
Stella McCartney, $515

Jimmy Choo, $1595 (OUR TOTAL FAVORITE!)

Anya Hinmarch, $670

www - There’s no time better than summer to invest in a clutch (or few), and as all seasoned fashionistas know, accessories really do make or break an outfit. So as outdoor concerts, BBQs, and the wanderlust fever of summer creeps up, don’t let your lug of a bag get in the way of your fleeting feet. Instead of hauling around that hefty tote, enjoy carefree evenings with a lightweight clutch. With designers offering a range of casual, funky, and fancy, here are a few favorites to take you from dinner to dancing.

What: The essential summer clutch
Where: netaporter.com
Why: Think of it as getting rid of all that baggage, and getting into a fun summer fling.
Cost: $515.00- $1,595.00

Sydney Cannon

FASHION FIX: GIVENCHY JELLY GLADIATORS

worldwide -i spotted these bad boys on myfashionlife.com. aren't they amazing? these jelly gladiators by givenchy are available at barney's new york's flagship stores in the states, or online internationally. i don't know that' i'd necessarily wear them myself (i like brand loyalty and right now i fashion myself a chanel girl) but i can definitely appreciate them on others. it will set you back $165 u.sd.

WORLD TRAVELLERS REJOICE: A WATCH TO WATCH YOUR TIME ZONES

world wide (naturally) - for my blaynista's who spend monday in london, wendesday in new york and sunday in tokyo , do i have the watch for you! both casio and citizen are debuting new watches on the market that automatically pick up the time zone in a given country, so you don't have to adjust your watch. both citizen and casio version's will pick up standard time radio signals in japan, the u.s, germany, the u.k and china. expect to pay roughly $1400 for citizen's watch. no word on how much casio's will cost. either way, prices are expected to lower by the end of this year.

THE NEW HAUTE ACCESSORY: BICYCLES

this is the quintessential city bike - also called the "city bike" - by jorg & olif. it retails for about $595 or less. (thanks to bikeportland.org for the photo.)
one of three bmx bikes outfitted by puma, available for the holidays. check out puma's black store in new york city or tokyo for prices and purchase. (thanks to freshnessmag.com for the photos)

new york -- according to the december issue of american vogue, bicycles are the hautest new accessory. i agree. take a stroll through the streets of london and other european cities and you will see person after person commuting on bicycle. from stylish young women to smart middle aged men, they are all riding in stye. jorg & oliff is the go-to brand for fashionistas. puma has also just debut accessorized bmx bikes that are as good for your wardrobe as they are for your daily commute.

FASHION FIX: NESS BAG

so if you know me, you know i love fashion forward and functionality in any piece i buy. that's exactly what today's fashion fix provides. feast your eyes on the ness bag....i spotted it on thefixlists.com and fell in instant love!

what: the ness bag by click

where: couture candy

why: ohmygah! do you need an explanation? patent is so potent this season. and this easy, breezy, wrist clutch allows you to store essentials like lip gloss and mascara for a night on the town or your debit cards (hate credit cards) and a slim notebook for a day of errands.

co$t: $165

FASHION FIX: FALL COATS + DISCO JEANS

today is a double homecoming. the fashion fix column PLUS top shop make a triumphant return to the blayreport. why gone so long? i simply wasn't seeing anything that moved me. but lo and behold i've seen some awesome things. check out this military coat and "high-shine" denim from topshop......

what: military jacket

where: www.topshop.com

why: it's a new and refreshing silhouette for the fall. this double-breasted, wool and polyester blend piece will go perfectly with skinny jeans (see below) and stilettos.

co$t: $120 u.s.d or 60 british pounds

what: silver disco jeans

where: www.topshop.com

why: do you really need a reason? they are slim cut, have zippers on the ankles, and are SILVER PLATED!!! that last part had me sold from the word go. i can't decide if they are trashtastic or fantastic, but either way i'm buying them!

co$t: $100 u.s.d or $50 british pounds

FASHION FIX: THE MORNING AFTER BAG

blaynista's you know everything about this: before long luxurious overnights spent at (you fill in the blanks)'s house, you realize that you need to pack lip gloss, tooth brush, tooth paste (if you are like me you only use one brand), a nighty, a mini-dress for the next day, the list goes on and on and on. while you are deciding on what to pack, why stress over where to pack it? just grab this rebecca minkoff bag. it will solve all your problems....








what: The Morning After Bag by Rebecca Minkoff
where: bagtrends.com
why: the title really says it all, but in case you need more clarity: after or before a sleepover, mini-trip, or especially heavy work day this bag can haul your goods like a samsonite tote - only with much more style. get into it!
co$t: $449

FASHION FIX: mandalay bay hotel

while a hotel is not fashion, it certainly can be fashionable. that's why today's fashion fix is the mandalay bay hotel (yes! it rhymes with my name: zandile blay!). this legendary hotel is renowned for it's ultra posh and luxurious digs like the 550 DR suite below....it is also the place i will be blogging from for the next five days. yes! momma is on her way to vegas for a travel story. look forward to some very interesting pics and stories.

what: 550 DR Deluxe Suite at the Mandalay Bay
where: Mandalay Hotel

why: do you love luxurious living!? well, you will love this: beautiful pool and mountain views, imported granite sinks, flat screen t.v's, and the most heavenly bed you will ever lay on.

co$t: $140 a night (pretty darn affordable, don't ya think!?)

FASHION FIX: ROBERTO CAVALLI COCKTAIL RING

considering today's wonderful news, we thought we'd pay homage to h+m's new guest designer by featuring one of his items for today's fashion fix. cocktail rings are a must for fashionista's who love bold, distinctive pieces. a perfect pick in this catageory would be this cavalli ring....



what: wooden serpent ring by roberto cavalli
where: netaporter.com
why: attention to detail makes this pieace an absolute must-have! check out the swarovski crystals and gold settings. using wood as the main material in a ring, is an unexpected - yet strangely decadent choice. this is ideal for those days where you want your accessories to do double duty as conversation pieces.
co$t: $290

FASHION FIX: YSL "DOWNTOWN" TOTE

guys and dolls, even "uptown" girls will go crazy for this downtown tote. like my other fave ysl bag, the muse, this tote is both fashionable and functional.....

what: yves saint laurent large downtown tote Large Downtown Tote
where: niemanmarcus.com
why: ideal for daily errands, a busy work day or a leisurely weekend. this bag can take you through your day - or week - in style!
co$t: $1,795

FASHION FIX: LOUIS VUITTON LUGGAGE

i am going to washington d.c this weekend to check out museums and my favorite restaurant in the whole wide world: lauriol's plaza. that sounds fab enough, but how major would it be to roll into town with this louis vuitton pegase 70 travel luggage....alas i can only afford to look, but not touch or buy.

this bag is so cute it makes you want to find somewhere to go just so you can bring it. (eluxury.com)

what: Louis Vuitton Pegase 70
where: http://www.eluxury.com/ (this website is owned by lvmh, and stocks authentic luxury goods.)
why: because nothing says "i'm rich bitc*," or even better, "my credit score is better than yours," than a rich, supple, brand new louis.
co$t: $2,740

FASHION FIX: NORMA KAMALI SWIMSUITS

are you beach ready girls? (read brazilian wax, pedi/medi, facial and full body exfoliation!) add to that crazy list a fierce swimsuit and you will be ready to hit the beaches of brazil or your local ymca. so i can't handle the first part, but i can definitely recommend some to die for swimsuits. naturally everybody, including newport news?!, is making swimsuits this season. but when it came time for me to pick the best, there was really only one: the norma kamali. think sexy, stretchy, bright, slender, bulbous silhouettes. and all these words apply when it comes to her swimsuits. i wanted to pick just one - but i couldn't. could you?! here are a few of my faves....

what: norma kamali foil swimsuit collection

where: normakamalicollection.com

why: just look above

co$t: between $215 - $270

FASHION FIX: AFRICAN PRINT TUNIC DRESS

loose, flowy and super comfortable. tunics are just the best on a warm day. and on a busy one such as this, you can just throw one on, run your errands, get your feet done and arrive at the bbq looking fab. my family and i are throwing an african brunch for my closest friends this weekend (pics to follow). this would have been fab to wear.



what: neon dot print tunic dress
where: www.topshop.com
why: because this is perfect over bare skin, cropped tights or slim cut jeans. the versatility alone makes this a best seller!
co$t: about $70

FASHION FIX: LOUBOUTIN BALLERINA FLATS

forget the fierce pumps and strappy sandals - this is a louboutin shoe i would live in. as i've said many times before,flats allow you all the comfort you need to run errands and walk around the city. buying a bright, metallic version, like the one below combines fashion and function beautifully. check out the details.




what: ballerina flat shoes by christian louboutin
where: where else!? www.netaporter.com
why: because these are the perfect punctuation to any stylish outfit.
co$t:$495

FASHION FIX: PIMP WATCH BY SAISHIN DIODE

eight months,three weeks,and sixteen hours. that's how long i've been looking for a watch (or just about) and i think i may have found it.sad to say i can't afford it at this time though. that doesn't mean i can't lust. this stainless steel beauty is straight from japan and boasts old school touches like a LED screen.

(urbanoutfitters.com)

what: pimp watch by saishin diode
where: www.urbanoutfitters.com
why: because there's nothing more sexier on a girl, than a watch that looks like it belongs on a boy.
co$t: $215 (price and item available exclusively online)

MENS FASHION FIX: DUFFLE

what: Cooper Bag by Ralph Lauren (purple label)

where: www.polo.com

why: because trust me, those jansport backpacks need to be put to sleep. and the north face ones too. you are out of college now.

cost: $2,495 (i know! but the good news is if you can afford this bag, i will let you take me to dinner!)

MENS FASHION FIX: MONEY CLIP

hopefully yours will have more than a $50 in it. much more. much, much more. (polo.com)

for my male readers - i know you are out there - today's fashion fix is for you. anyone who has ever spent at least 5 minutes with a boy ( or has spent at least 5 minutes being a boy) knows guys hate wallets! where exactly do you stash your cash? metro pass? credit card? i hope you don't say your back pocket. better yet, i hope you do say you utilize a chic, elegant, manly leather clip like today's fashion fix pick.
what: alligator money clip by ralph lauren (purple label by the way)
where: polo.com

why: because you are older now. if are not ready to upgrade to a wallet, this is a nice intermediate item.

co$t: $160

FASHION FIX: SWEATER DRESS

i love the knit on this dress and the color is just luxurious. (net-a-porter.com)
the oversized collar adds a touch of flair and drama. just a touch. (net-a-porter.com)

now here is something i could have used desperately over the past few days: a warm, coxy, subtley sexy sweater dress. these pieces are so apropo for this time of year when the sunny weather says late summer; but the chill in the air says early spring. i scoured the web, and found my favorite pick of the bunch, this diane von furstenberg piece. see below for details.

what: kody sweater dress by dian von furstenberg

where: www.net-a-porter.com

why: because sometimes a girl wants to be warm and sexy. (as oppossed to hot and sexy which is really a cliche term that has nothing to do with dressing or weather.) sweater dresses, especially this amazing one, help you strike the balance.
co$t: $415

FASHION FIX: UMBRELLAS

naturally, with the cold, rainy, icky weather outside in new york city, the fashion spotlight turns to accessories. and the most important one of the moment is the umbrella. today, the fashional ( i made this word up) will take a back seat to the functional. so instead of a cute, trendy, umbrella i am going to highlight a strong and sturdy one by a brand recommended by my dear friend and fellow blogger david (www.jossip.com). see below for deets.

(gustbusters.com)

what: GustBusters Classic Umbrella (no, the name is not sexy. but neither is being sopping wet because of a non-gust busting umbrella.) fyi - it comes in green, pink and navy.
where: www.gustbuster.com for locations near you.
why: because golf champions across the country, distinguished doormen at posh buildings and david hauslaib all use this umbrella. and why? because it really does protect you from sleet, snow, and rain in a very classic way.
co$t: n/a. ask retailer.

FASHION FIX: SPRING COATS

okay. let's get into it. the weather sux. not sucks. sux. (i think the x adds more emphasis.) that's exactly why today's fashion fix is all about a sexy, stylish, light spring coat. my favorite low end store, h+m has lots of good options. but i wanted to really go aspirational today, so we turned to my favorite high end designer - stella mccartney. of course, i was not disappointed. her coat options for spring are on point. so much so, that i couldn't really pick just one. you'll understand why as you see and read below.(www.net-a-porter.com)

what: Stella McCartney Funnel Neck Jacket
where: www.net-a-porter.com
why: can't you just see yourself ( or me for that matter) running a few fab errands in soho (pedi,medi,massage,facial,brunch) in this ultra chic number?
co$t: $995 (you can always charge now, pay later!)

(www.net-a-porter.com)

what: Stella McCartney Voluminous Ottoman Coat
where: www.net-a-porter.com
why: this coat was made for color. it's the perfect shade and shape for slim pants and bright, colorful pumps and clutches.
co$t: $1,295. (just don't pay your rent!)

(www.net-a-porter.com)

what: Stella McCartney Tafetta Cropped Jacket
where: www.net-a-porter.com
why: the belt alone does it for me. then we move on to those buttons. and that color. and the fabric! need i go on!? this is a keeper.
co$t: $930 (it's positively cheap compared to those above. stop being stingy!)