Emily Hsieh, Shop Girl, Lucky Magazine’s Blog

Bejeweled: Craving big, statement-making necklaces

nospam@example.com (Emily Hsieh, Shop Girl, Lucky Magazine) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:51:58 -0700

Despite the fact that I've passed on wearing any sort of jewelry my whole life, I'm suddenly craving big, statement-making necklaces. Elaborate beading, bright colors, layers of chains—I want it all. This one from Anthropologie is everything I'm looking for: It's made of several strands of faceted drops in the prettiest lemon color, and it would be so great over a simple white tee and paired with beat-up jeans.

Cheap, Chic, and Antiaging: What's Not to Like?

nospam@example.com (Emily Hsieh, Shop Girl, Lucky Magazine) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:20:47 -0700

Despite being pretty fanatical about sunscreen (I'm obsessed with Colorescience's powder version, which I use daily and might be my favorite beauty product of all time), after reading the umpteenth article about premature aging I've been thinking I ought to find a hat to wear at the beach. My criteria are that it's inexpensive (I'll only use it at the beach or pool, and I don't go nearly as much as I'd like), packable, and doesn't look too dorky or matronly the way sun hats often do.

Fine linen accessories: Hau Hauz Tango Bag

nospam@example.com (Emily Hsieh, Shop Girl, Lucky Magazine) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:19:58 -0700

I first caught on to Finnish accessories company Hau Hauz a few years ago at the Maison et Objet housewares show in Paris. The bold-but-feminine patterns are block-printed by hand on beautifully textured linen and applied to everything from table runners to throw pillows to little handbags like the one seen here. The pieces are striking but still so refined, and though the overall vibe is definitely modern, there's a crafty homespun element that adds to their charm.

Toting Around: Kit + Lili Graphic Print Tote

nospam@example.com (Emily Hsieh, Shop Girl, Lucky Magazine) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:05:53 -0700

I'm of the mindset that one can never have too many totes. I carry one most days, in addition to a purse, and never seem to have trouble filling it. Usually it houses an extra sweater to ward off the chill of overly air-conditioned buildings; my sunglasses case, which is roughly and frustratingly the size of a football; an umbrella and rubber flip-flops in case of rain ... the list goes on.

Another knockout summer dress from Free People

nospam@example.com (Emily Hsieh, Shop Girl, Lucky Magazine) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:42:50 -0700

I'd like to wear this Free People sundress every day for the rest of the summer. The geometric motif is softened by a pretty, watercolor-y palette flecked with pale blues and yellows. It's smocked at the bodice, and an intricately embroidered patch in the middle gives it an exotic feel. The bottom half is decked out with three tiers of ruffles that somehow don't come across at all fussy.

J. Crew Summerweight Cashmere Cardigans: Best. Sweaters. Ever.

nospam@example.com (Emily Hsieh, Shop Girl, Lucky Magazine) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:28:34 -0700

The summerweight cashmere cardigans from J.Crew are one of my all-time favorite wardrobe staples. The quality of the cashmere is on par with that of the fanciest, priciest of labels—so soft, fine, and appealingly sheer—so they're great for layering year-round. I've been steadily building my supply for years now, and I thought I'd finally reached the point where enough was actually enough until just a minute ago, when I saw that they're offering a new, modified silhouette that's longer and leaner with a V-neck and short sleeves.

What's the best bargain you've found this summer?

nospam@example.com (Emily Hsieh, Shop Girl, Lucky Magazine) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:46:12 -0700

Bergdorf Goodman. I first spotted them there at the end of last season, fell in love, and immediately came up with about a million different scenarios in my head for which they'd be perfect. I'd been looking for a men's-style oxford for ages though none were quite right. Adding a wedge heel—which I never would have guessed would work as well as it does—brings a sexy, feminine spin to the style, and although it's quite tall, it's also surprisingly comfortable.

Handmade wooden coasters: A gift for yourself and your hostess

nospam@example.com (Emily Hsieh, Shop Girl, Lucky Magazine) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:19:32 -0700

Coasters, much like toothbrush holders, are the sort of thing you don't think about until you really need one, and then when you start shopping around, you realize how many totally uninspiring, even cheesy, options are out there. I love this handmade set of polished wood discs. They're so elegant and simple, and they'd go well with any decor, whether it's warm and earthy (Persian rugs, brass fixtures, lots of candles) or more Zen-minimalist (slick concrete floors, bare white walls, Noguchi lamps ... you get the picture).

Sating my insane scarf obsession—this Chan Luu one is amazing

nospam@example.com (Emily Hsieh, Shop Girl, Lucky Magazine) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:15:46 -0700

As is well documented in this very blog, I'm a huge fan of the oversize scarf. And now I've found yet another one that's so extraordinary that I've just got to share it with you. This time it's from Chan Luu, a designer more widely known for her jewelry collection than for her knits. Her fabric pieces might appear deceptively simple, but when you're able to see and touch them in person it's easy to understand what makes them so special.

Bathroom Beauty: Jayson Home and Garden Branch Toothbrush Holder

nospam@example.com (Emily Hsieh, Shop Girl, Lucky Magazine) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:00:09 -0700

In terms of toothbrush holders, this is for sure as good as it gets. It's an item that's typically an afterthought in your bathroom, which really makes no sense considering that you've constantly got to look at it on the countertop. This sculptural porcelain version actually makes a graceful, design-y statement, which is especially great considering it's only $30, and can also be used as a bud vase.