Black lace is pretty much exquisite on any level (save the super cheap Forever 21 types).  It’s beautiful and artful and sophisticated.  And while Runway or Real Way isn’t typically much of a toss up for me (I always seem to side with the Green With Glamour piece – go figure)… were it not for the difference in price, this one would be a real toughie.  Both tops = stunning!

Vintage Lace top by Emily Factor, $275

Nero 3D Lace Manaroa top by Stella McCartney, $1975

Hey… if not for the $1700 cost differential, I think it would be a closer call, but I have to say the delicate Emily Factor cap sleeves really win this one for me.

Not everyone can pull off a turtleneck… especially the very basic, boxy ones.  Here’s why the embellished turtlenecks are brilliant!  By employing an interesting silhouette and adding a bit of decoration, the turtleneck is brought up from frumpy to feminine.  And a high neckline is a fantastic way to showcase those beautiful, long necklaces!

And though we love the turtleneck with everything from wide-leg, long pants to the shortest of pants… we only bought 1 style this winter… but it’s a goodie!  From Feral Childe, the Tesla turtleneck is the perfect marriage of statement and basic.  Clearly, FC is not the only design house who had this style in mind for this season as once matronly, now only somewhat matronly fashion powerhouse, St. John, has released their own version (below).

The oh-so-chic (and sustainably made) Tesla, $99 at Green With Glamour.  The borderline ordinary (clearly we’re bias) version from St John at Neiman Marcus… $895.

Tesla by Feral Childe, $99 ____________Embellished by St. John, $895

Which do you prefer?

One of our new designers, Cheek-ie (more styles to come), creates gorgeous & wearable jewelry from organic and vintage materials.  Their braided bracelets are my favorite pieces!  On Kara Ross’ website, I found a  similar  “silvertone” braided bracelet that resembles the Cheek-ie… but as far as I’m concerned, doesn’t come close.   Not to mention, the Cheek-ie is only $48 while the braided metal is $240…  What do you think?

Re-purposed silk by Cheek-ie, $48…

OR

“Silvertone metal” by Kara Ross, $240

Your choice.

One of my favorite silhouettes for Spring is the feminine (but not too girlie) skirt!  I wear skirts constantly… for work, for play, day or night.  I keep the top fairly simple – a ribbed tank or a crisp white shirt and let the accessories & footwear really dictate the look.  I might do pearl earrings and ballet flats (or this season’s shoe star – Oxfords) for a casual day look and switch out to heeled booties for evening and add a statement necklace for evening… easy chic!

And the Ellie skirt by Mountains of the Moon (MotM) is at the top of my “Must Wear” list for this season.  Luxe but effortless, colorful yet versatile… the Ellie has it all!  I also noticed that Jason Wu’s Spring 2010 collection includes a short ruffled skirt (lovely as well), but in that it’s anything but “eco” AND over $700 more than MotM’s… my vote is the Ellie!

The Ellie skirt by MotM, $170

or

The Keira skirt by Jason Wu, $890

We’re feeling the warm weather coming our way, so we diving right in with a cool, bright tank.   Turquoise is one of those colors that looks good on most everyone – and a flattering top… how can you go wrong?!  Enter Robert Rodriquez at Bergdorf Goodman versus Covet at Green With Glamour- or in more topical terms, $275 versus $27!

Luxe details, flattering cut, hand-washable…$27* (originally $99) by Covet at Green With Glamour.

Luxe details, flattering cut, dry-cleanable… $275 by Robert Rodriquez at Bergdorf Goodman.

Both lovely tops for sure, but $27 trumps $275 for us any day (well, at least in this economy)!

*$27 is with current %0% OFF promotion – use code TWT50 at check out for full discount.

So typically our “Runway to Real Way”s feature fashion pieces, but I think it makes sense to include some home design pieces every once and again as well.   I’m personally in love with Green With Glamour’s recycled glass cobalt tumblers. They’re chic and simple and sturdy… just what I look for in glassware!

Recycled Colbalt tumblers from Green Glass Co. at GWG, $43/set of 4

But just recently, I spied these very similar tumblers at Neiman Marcus (I mean, I’ve got to keep my eye on the competition, right?) I couldn’t quite believe that they were asking $112 for a set of 4 NON-RECYCLED (and not quite a good-looking) tumblers. Yikes.

“Iris” Cobalt tumblers at Neiman Marcus, $112/set of 4

You be the judge.

Ooh la la… C’est chic!  When I saw Sublet’s (Dorothy) bow top – it was love at first site!  I thought… how girlie… how simply sophisticated… how fashionable without being too spendy.   It’s the kind of top that works with jeans and flats, skirts and heels AND leggings and boots – you name it.  It’s seasonless… cardigan and scarf for Fall, flip flops and cutoffs for Spring  – it’s perfection!

And I did spy an Andrew Gn top that employs the same principles… white/cream with a sweet black bow.  Similar in design, right?  Well, NOT in pricetag!

Sublet Dorothy top, $185

Bow Top, Andrew Gn, $1465

Hmmmm… what do you think?

Fall & Winter fashion is all about the layers!  The idea is to stay warm & stylish and NOT look bulked up or sloppy.  A well-designed cardigan is definitely a key piece… something with a little bit of structure that will look smashing over anything from a lace cami to your favorite vintage plaid flannel number AND you can manage it under your top layer without looking like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man!

Avoid this look!

These two beautiful pieces are perfect layering solutions in the most divine and flattering hue of blue – the major difference… the price tag.

Lutz & Patmos – $495

PI Organic at Green With Glamour  – $125

You decide…

I have a soft spot for Bergdorf’s.  Granted, I hope they get wise and start making much “greener” choices, but I find their overall collection Top Notch!  I was skimming their dress selections when I can across a remarkably familiar design.  Check it:

Donna Karan $1495

EcoSkin $81.50

(currently 50% OFF at GreenWith Glamour!)

Both gorgeous, but…you decide!

A completely non-”Eco” vice of mine is glossy magazines.  Vanity Fair and Town & Country and non-negotiable… I’ll most likely subscribe until one of our deaths.  As for fashion mags, I load up on Fall Fashion issues, April “Green” issues and a handful of randoms throughout the year.  I do enjoy savoring the editorial, larger-than-life creations of all of the power designers… and have that inner dialogue about some of the really out there pieces (as I think most of us do).  “Who would wear that?”  “How would I make that work for myself?” “It doesn’t really matter because it’s $15,000.”  Sometimes I look at these beautiful, uber-expensive pieces and realize that GWG carries an equally gorgeous, but totally wearable (and eco!) piece that may resemble the glossy magazine show-stoppers.  Enter Runway to Real Way.

RUNWAY

Lizzie Fortunato necklace

REAL WAY

Text necklace by Dirty Librarian chains

Reference necklace by Dirty Librarian Chains

Both available at Green With Glamour.