So hip it hurts.

Now and again I stumble across objects d'art that make my heart skip a beat. Enter the lovingly hand-made Gypsy belt from Hurt Couture, the drop-dead-unisexy fashion accessory that promises to keep you looking fierce while feeling fearless.

Suddenly mace and pepper spray seem so tragically old school.


Let me be clear, I'm not promoting fashionable deadly weapons here, but the elegant design of a concept this bold is ironically provocative. Bare in mind the Gypsy belt's thoughtful construction includes its very own hand stitched protective pocket in which to conceal your weapon. The set-up: a 3 1/2 inch blade made of solid Zinc, finished with nickel or pewter, slid into a built-into-the-belt suede sheath. The buckle attaches via a pin to any of Hurt Couture's high-quality leather belts, each hand-cut from whole hides and ranging from a large-grommetted brown to an intensely distressed cracked white:



If anyone calls you out for wearing it past Labor Day, they will pay in fingers.

This lovely Hurt Couture handmade accessory by LA designer Erik Nelson can be found at Atelier in NYC, the Thompson Xchange @ the Roosevelt Hotel in L.A., and Pink Heart Boutique in Orlando.

Seriously. HurtCouture.com. They're not even that expensive.

This month's featured foundation: The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research

I have a personal affinity to the cause. In 2002 my father was diagnosed with a PCA, a visual variant of Alzheimer's disease. It caused him to go blind before his memory began to dissipate.

Alzheimer's is a progressive and fatal brain disease. As many as 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. It destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time, and it is fatal. Today it is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

Please join us in the fight against this terrible epedemic by donating to help end Alzheimer's, any amount is appreciated. Donate Now.

Top 10 Summer Trends For The Uber Chic

Ahhhh...summer. A time to be whimsical about fashion. There's simply no other season where you'll find more fashion risks taken. Some fab, some not so fab. So here at DesignerLaundry we've taken it upon ourselves to hone down the list of trends and decipher the hot from the not. In this particular post we'll concern ourselves with the hot:

1. Blinged-Out Ballerina Flats.


Sonia Rykiel Jeweled Flats $280
Thank you, ballerinas of the world. I've cut my commute 10 minutes since these peds have crossed over. And as if they weren't cute enough in all of their simple comfy-ness, check out how what happens when Sonia Rykiel gets hold of the classic. Adding a little bling keeps it sensible and sparkly all at the same time. Genius!


2. Cotton Sundresses With A Kick.


The Catherine Malandrino Studded Cotton Sundress $320.00
What could be more easy, breezy and of course, just plain pretty? What I adore about donning any dress: pondering half as much about my outfit. No need to concern yourself with matching a top and bottom, just grab the frock and a pair of sandals and voila = instant summer ensemble.


3. The Coy Little Clutch.


Calvin Klein Collection Tasseled Clutch $275
It's been said you can tell a woman by the contents of her purse, so in the case of this season's micro-petite handbag, the less-is-more kinda girl rocks the trend. This simple little treasure from Calvin Klein collection works fabulously for those summertime special occasions--Just pawn off everything besides lip gloss and a credit card to your man's pockets.


4. Stuff Marcia Brady Would Wear.


Missoni Flowered Lounge Pants $135.
Look gorgeously groovy and in these retro-chic floral pants by Missoni. A must have for those Martini-infused Hamptons lawn parties. Or play the perfectly put together hostess and bust out a game of Twister. Anyway you slice it these pants are sure to turn heads. Right on!


5. Strapless Anything in a Tasty Hue.


Aeve Strapless Dress $215
Who doesn't love showing off their sexy sun-kissed shoulders, especially in a tantalizing frock the color of tangerine sherbet? This pretty strapless dress from Aeve combines two of my favorite things--style and comfort. Not to mention, this sweet little number will have you looking good enough to eat.


6. Parisian Inspired-Peasant Tops.


The Catherine Malandrino Chiffon Prairie Blouse $295.
Isn't it romantic? You, an outdoor cafe, a glass of rose and a flirty chiffon peasant blouse? A summer must have, these blouses are perfect for going from day to evening in a breeze. Mais Oui!


7. Reptilian Accessories.


Calvin Klein Collection Python Handbag $1200
Boas, and Pythons, and Gators, oh my! Summer skins, particularly in the python variety, are essential in the accessories department. I say go all out with the trend and sport this roomy--not to mention extremely luxe--Calvin Klein Collection handbag. This white-hot Python number is one reptile I'm psyched to have wrapped around my arm.


8. The Bondage Wedge.


Edmundo Castillo Leather Wrap Wedge $195
Who doesn't look fabulous in a pair of leg-lengthening wedges? I love these leather wraparound beauties from Edmundo Castillo because they're the perfect combination of naughty and nice. Not to mention, there's something curiously alluring about tying leather around your ankles...


9. Kalidescope-Print Tunics.


Emilio Pucci Rosone Print Tunic, $359.20
Every gal needs a tunic to cover up with come summer, so why not make it a timeless style that your can wear year after year? For me, nothing conveys this more than a printed Emilo Pucci cover, like this one in the designer's classic Rosone print. The tunic goes well beyond the beach, too. Pair it with capris and some pretty bejeweled sandals and you've got a look that screams summer-chic.


10. What You'd Wear to a GoGo's Concert.


Malandrino Fringed Mini Dress $192
Still feel you got the beat? In Malandrino's teal scalloped knit mini dress at least you'll look like you do. Pair with a wide studded belt and pointy stilettos and throw on that Vacation CD. This throwback to the 80's with a fringey-summertime twist will have you looking instantly awesome. Like, totally.