Me Wants It: Valerie Mayen, McQueen, Choo and more!

Did you know that Cleveland, OH holds its own Fashion Week every May?

Or that three Ohioans competed in Season 5 of Project Runway?  

Or that Seasons 3, 6 and 7 also each had one contestant from the state?

Or that at least ten different Ohio schools offer degrees in Fashion Design?

Most people don't think "fashion" when they think of Cleveland, yet fashion is an important facet of the city.

Project Runway kicked off it's 8th Season last week.  During the premiere episode we were introduced to another local contestant: Valerie Mayen.  Although she's been sworn to secrecy regarding the show, the local buzz is that she may be among the final contestants competing for top prize.

Valerie's designs, and her shop Yellowcake, are well known amongst Clevelanders who do follow fashion.  This weeks edition of "Me Wants It" includes two coats from her etsy shop that would be perfect for those chilly Cleveland days that are around the corner.

  

I love the name of this Valerie Mayen coat: The Blue Kangaroo.  How cute is that, and how great is the color?    

This white Valerie Mayen coat is also just as lust-worthy.  Great shape, excellent-looking construction.  I don't know which coat I like more.
 

 

This military-inspired Jack by BB Dakota coat is not as luxe as Mayen's pieces, but it is still on trend. 

Moving on to footwear, first up are these Frye Over the Knee Boots in distressed, pebbled leather.  I can't decide between smoke and black.  Which do you prefer?

Then we have these Jimmy Choo suede ankle boots.  I love this take on shearling - very glamorous. 

Saks Fifth Avenue NYC recently announced that it would begin carrying some designs in size 14 (and up) in (extremely) limited numbers.  In the meantime, I can pretend the two dresses come in my size.

I love the exposed lining and frayed wool in this Alexander McQueen's distressed pencil dress.  

There is a definite vintage feel to this printed silk dress by Erdem.  All it needs is a pen necklace like the one Joan wears on Mad Men!

My weekly bag pick is this Sara Berman studded slouch bag.  Check out the different sizes of the studs on the bottom of the bag.  It's a softer look than the studded bags of the past few seasons.

 
  

Finally we have this simple necklace by Gorjana.  I'm a huge fan of her line, and this piece is no exception.  

What are you coveting?  What Fall trends are you most excited about? 

All images courtesy of net-a-porter, Etsy, shopbop, and ModCloth 

Me Wants It: Boots and bags and scarabs, oh my!

For some reason I am excited about Fall this year.  Normally I want the summer to stick around as long as possible because that means that the snow will stay away as long s possible.  This year I am looking forward to the changing of the seasons.  I can't wait for the weather to cool down just a bit and for the colors to start changing on the trees.

This week's edition of "Me Wants It" is all about the Fall!

Suede boots are in this fall, and these knee high FENDI's are screaming "buy me!"  Love the rich brown color and the buckle/strap details.

These taupe Jimmy Choos are perfect for the times when we need something a little more classic.  The color is an update on the grey boots that were so popular last season, and these can be dressed up or down for the Fall. 

These FENDI cutout black leather ankle boots will add some fierceness to your wardrobe. 

These Louboutin's intrigue me, although I don't know if I could actually rock the red calf hair.  I LOVE the silver spiked stiletto, though.

This Miu Miu leather evening bag is ingenious.  Not only is it great-looking, you can detach the jeweled strap and wear it as a statement necklace.  Awesome.

Have you ever seen The Mummy?  You know, the movie with Brendan Frasier, Rachel Weisz and the psycho mummy-guy?  If you have, you'll remember the scarabs.  Millions of them - scarabs everywhere.  They creeped me out.  But I am fascinated by this Bottega Veneta scarab necklace.  Too bad it's sold out already (and it might be just a bit too pricey for me even if it wasn't)! 

Finally, we have my weekly "I wish it came in a Size 14" item of clothing.  This Halston Heritage dress is just beautiful.  Love the color.  Love the draping.  In my size it would probably look like a muumuu.  Or I'd look 6 months pregnant.  But it's gorgeous and I'd wear it anyways.

What are you coveting right now?

All images courtesy of net-a-porter and shopbop.