Brand Spotlight: No.21

NO. 21

Because we’re all spending more time at home, I am able to add more content on my blog and I thought it would be interesting to occasionally highlight new up & coming brands.

No. 21 offers elevated casual pieces with an edge, from snake print shorts to a leopard biker jacket. I’ve included some of the standout pieces from No.21 below, so you can browse the brand for yourself.

I love the brand’s concept: bridging the gap between the casual clothing and the high fashion world. That’s ideal for me, especially because I live where people dress super casual almost all the time. But loving fashion as much as I do, I look for those pieces that express my signature style and can be incorporated into my lifestyle.

The price tag of No.21 items are similar to those you would find on Net-a-Porter or Farfetch. Prices range from an eyelet blouse ($425.00) to a shearling trench ($1,207.50 on sale.) Typically you can find amazing pieces from newer brands for a better price and find really innovative styles that our tried and true brands aren’t offering. No.21 was launched in 2010, so it has established a core audience, and the prices reflect that.

No.21 gives us that high-end feel in styles that are wearable. The brand offers high quality fabrics in fresh silhouettes that will be both the classics and statement pieces in your closet.

January Purchases

Because I am inspired this year to save, shop mindfully, and make only investment purchases, I want to keep myself accountable. I thought the most worth-while way to accomplish this would be to incorporate a monthly post on my purchases.

You will remember several of these items from previous posts because I only recommend items that I buy or would buy myself, and I like to compare and style items on my blog when I am considering taking the plunge on a purchase. I couldn’t resist getting this amazing denim dress from Magda Butrym (it is no longer available on Farfetch, but I found the same style in this print on Vestiaire.) The detachable lace collar and thick denim makes it versatile from season to season, and I love dresses that you can wear day-to-night. Buying a dress in a flattering cut that you can wear over and over, will prevent you from feeling the need to always buy more dresses for date night.

Magda Butrym Toledo Blouse

Another Magda Butrym piece. This really has become my go-to brand. I think this blouse is so elegant, and elevates any outfit, whether you pair it with shorts (as they styled it on Farfetch), or with leather leggings when the temperature drops. I bought this with Valentine’s Day in mind, but there are a handful of ways to wear it. The rich color mixed with the luxurious velvet fabric make this a top I will cherish for years to come. I advocate having basics and solids, but I think it’s great to have a small assortment of amazing statement blouses.

Fendi Calfskin Open your Heart Strap

I purchased this bag strap from Fashionphile. The beige and black caligraphy design with the hearts give a basic black handbag a nice accent. I regret not getting the matching handbag, and haven’t been able to find it anywhere else since. However, at least the strap is more versatile because I can use it with any handbag I own. I think it would be a perfect pair with a beige bag as well. This strap is sold out, so I’ve included a few other Fendi strap options below.

Katiana Leather Jacket

I also found the perfect leather jacket…yes the absolute perfect one. Edgy, but still classic. Fitted perfectly in the shoulders and torso. It even has a grained, textured leather that is hard-wearing. This is actually a Romania brand, and though this jacket is a higher price point, I found it at Unclaimed Baggage, so I got if for a third of the price.

Reflecting on my purchases, I actually got more than I thought as I kicked off 2020. However, I have made up for it in February, and am making it my goal for the year to limit my ready-to-wear purchases. And, two of these four purchases were pre-loved, so I will get amazing cost-per-wear. I’ve included two leather jackets below that give the same look but are more accessible.

Farfetch Mini-Haul

Because I was resourceful and did most of my Black Friday shopping at Unclaimed Baggage, I was able to make a few splurges on a luxury retailer. I didn’t want any returns or regrets, so I carefully considered every single purchase. I selected only classic pieces that were lacking in my wardrobe, and that are versatile and lasting.

After comparing my wishlists on Farfetch and Net-A-Porter, Farfetch’s promotion of 30% off on sale items was too good to pass up. I still only bought two items..perhaps the best Black Friday purchases that I’ve ever made…

The white blouse from LoveShackFancy can be worn to dinner, on the weekend, with jeans, or in the Spring with skirts and shorts. It has the perfect amount of crop and puff sleeve and the small is a perfect fit. I have several great statement tops, but needed a classic Victorian style blouse that can be worn over and over.

The square neckline is very flattering and I love how this top highlights the waistline. Paired with high-waisted pants or jeans, this will create a very leg-elongating look.

Now, onto my favorite Black Friday purchase. It is my first real designer belt purchase. I fell head over heels for the pastel pink logo with the pink and black ribbon belt.

I wear black almost every other day, and the pop of pastel pink with that, adds the right amount of color. It is modern and fresh, but still with a feminine touch. It gives any outfit a more statement look and will look phenomenal with black denim.

And let me introduce my new favorite fashion retailer for high-end looking but more affordable fashion…Fashion Bunker. For Black Friday, they offered 25% off full price items.

After a long search for the perfect camel coat, I decided on this light nude option by Keepsake. This brand offers amazing, high quality pieces that look very designer, and Fashion Bunker offers the best selection of Keepsake. I love an ultra pale nude shade…and this wrap style and dramatic lapels is very slimming and modern.

This “Lucky” coat is more special than designer versions I have seen. It also has a much more tailored distinct look than a camel teddy or basic wool coat. And when you get a classic color, you only need to invest in one fabulous coat. I will be wearing this year after year. And I actually love the style more than versions I saw on Net-A-Porter.

I hope you did some resourceful Black Friday shopping. I expect similar sales to continue after the holidays to celebrate Boxing Day.

H&M * Giambattista

I am returning this necklace…the letters overlap. The logo concept is lost…

I wanted to offer a review of the extremely hyped collaboration with H&M and Giambattista Valli.

I definitely got caught up in the excitement and put in one order after another of the collection, as one piece at a time went back in and out of stock. There are still a few items that have yet to go back into stock, and those were actually the pieces I wanted the most…

Because Giambattista Valli is known for his couture gowns, the dresses were the hot ticket item.

I purchased two of the jackets…one I am keeping and the other is completely outrageous…not in a good way.

The oversized leather jacket does look very designer, but the arms are made so slouchy and oversized that I look like a linebacker when I wear it…or that I’m trying to achieve a Kanye West/Lady Gaga Vibe. I would literally never wear it. It is unique but not at all practical.

I will definitely be returning the oversized leather jacket. This was one of the pieces I wanted the most…but this just goes to show that it is easy to get caught up in the hype of a new designer launch and buy something simply because it is the “it” piece in a limited edition collaboration.

And when I think of my shopping regrets in the past, I refuse to spend my hard earned money on a jacket that is totally unwearable-I don’t care what collection it is or who the designer is. That is also the reason I didn’t purchase the Kylie Jenner frou-frou dresses that were the first to sell out.

I did manage to get my hands on one dress…the white crystal mini dress with major wedding vibes. I am so lucky to have this…I tried to order the sequin mini skirt and that order was canceled. Another order was lost in transit. But this white beauty is very special, and more wearable than the floor-length gowns in the collection.

Though this show-stopper is more suited for evening and formal occasions, the length makes it more wearable (as far as Giambattista Valli goes.) You could pair it with boots and a leather jacket (or the faux fur white one as shown in the H&M ads.) Because it is white, it is more versatile than a print or colorful dress, and I think in the future I will have an occasion to wear it. While I usually shake my head at investing in party dresses and evening wear, I caved for this collection. I honestly loved so much from this collaboration, but ended up keeping only this dress and the white abdominal-snowman inspired jacket.

You should buy what you love-but also only buy what you will actually wear. I love my purchases (that I kept) from the H&M Giambattista Valli collab, but I only bought 2 items, and those can even be worn together. Shop with caution when you shop limited edition collections and think in terms of costs per wear.

Black Friday at HBX

Buy 1 Get 30% Off Selected Items with Code: BLACK30

Buy 2 Get 40% Off Selected Items with Code: BLACK40

If you love a little luxury, HBX is a great place to focus your attention Black Friday. These mini bags are a great gift option if you want just a “little luxe.”

I got a little carried away with the selection of belt bags, but they are a better price than a full-sized handbag and are definitely on trend this year.

Give a gift that packs a punch. If you love a print or something that is a bit more statement, this selection from Prada does all the talking…

I’m including a bit of everything…whether you just want a little fashion treat or are on the hunt for a show-stopping gift.

How cute are these bedazzled barrettes for a stocking stuffer?

Perhaps the best belt bag is this pink and black Prada saffiano leather one, a mini version of the Prada Cahier.

A pink shearling bag? Umm….yes!!!

After you shop for yourself, I recommend browsing for gift options on HBX. They have unique and thoughtful items that not everyone will have under their tree. Here are a few of my favorites…

Have fun Black Friday shopping! As you shop, keep your signature style, shopping budget, and wardrobe needs in mind. There are definitely amazing sales launching this year (the best I’ve ever seen!) and I will be updating you very soon on my Black Friday finds:)

Zimmerman Sale

While I love a good basic, I have fallen hard lately for statement florals that amp up the femininity and can be styled in a more edgy way. I gravitate to Zimmerman when it comes to dresses.

Zimmerman creates day-to-night girly dresses, that transcend the seasons and look stunning paired with modern accessories.

I only recommend dresses that I see myself wearing and loving for years to come. Each of these is definitely an investment.

I do prefer to get high-end dresses, statement pieces and eye-catching prints when I can get them on sale. I do re-wear my prints, but still can’t re-wear them the same way I could a plain black dress, so getting a discount is smart shopping.

I do believe that separates are more practical, but a well-made dress is a one-piece outfit that makes getting dressed, effortless. These are my top 6 investment dresses. Yes, they pack a punch, but they also have an aura of classic femininity about them.

Clicking the image above will take you to the stunning selection of Zimmerman dresses offered on Net-A-Porter. I have also included links below for each dress shown above. Happy Shopping!