While Cambridge Satchels might be the bag of choice for Anglophiles, students, and fashion fans across the globe, who knew that they'd make it into 10 Downing Street as well? The new "The Downing" bag from the Brit brand paired two of the season's most noteworthy (and complementary) colors — oxblood and navy — to liven up Cambridge's traditional, no-fuss shape.

It was inspired by the one that company founder Julie Deane carried when she was asked, along with her mother, Freda Thomas, to visit Samantha Cameron (yep, that's Mrs. David Cameron, and the former design pro behind Smythson) at 10 Downing. Tea with the wife of the Prime Minister? While that's not an activity we see on the horizon, on our iCals, it's nice to know that a Cambridge Satchel would be appropriate, should we need it. The satchels will be available starting next Monday, October 8, online, in three sizes, with prices starting at $208.

Photo: Courtesy of Cambridge Satchel Company

[UPDATE: This story was originally published on March 12.]

While we're all for an Anthropologie or West Elm-ed out home, we know, deep down, that the real way to achieve awe-inducing interiors is with one-of-a-kind objets d'art. And the best way to find those rare pieces, without shelling out collector-worthy prices? Going vintage. Seriously, even design denizen supreme (and our girl crush), Kelly Wearstler, uses antique trimmings in all of her avant-garde interiors.

Now obviously, the Rose Bowl and Melrose Trading Post are always amazing options, but they require cold hard cash, and sometimes, for the bigger pieces, a moving van. That's why we've gathered a fresh crop of L.A. vintage decor shops to amp up your address. Overflowing with furniture, knick-knacks, and doodads from yesteryear, even a trip to browse these outposts is guaranteed to spark some major redecoration inspiration!

Photo: Via Tini

Tini
We remember when Tini, which is an acronym for This Is Not Ikea, was online-only, and Alexis (the owner) would email back to let you know if a piece was still available (such suspense!). It's been a true treat to watch this business grow, and we know for a fact that these pickers are constantly on the hunt (they once visited a yard sale we had) for quirky-cool pieces that can instantly boost a room to retro-glam status.
Tini, 515 South Fairfax Avenue (Near South Hayworth Avenue); 310-999-5951.

Sunbeam Vintage
This wondrous warehouse is named for the theater that once stood in its space, and was previously only open to set designers, by appointment. The prices here can't be beat, even at the flea market!
Sunbeam Vintage, 106 South Avenue 58 (At North Figueroa Street); 323-908-9743.

Finster Studio
You won't find any snobbery lurking at this eclectic outpost, and varied pieces abound, geared to every aesthetic. From upcycled furniture to mid-century tchotchkes sold by super-cool shopkeepers, there's definitely something at Finster to send every shopper away with a smile!
Finster Studio, 2638 North Figueroa Street (Near West Avenue 26); 323-342-0234.

Update: This story originally ran on May 25, 2012. We hope you're out enjoying a fun day in the sun this Independence Day. If you need a little outfit inspiration for your holiday, look no further!

In Chicago, summer fun happens outdoors, period. With the exception of a rainy Saturday or two (you know they happen), we're constantly searching for a new al fresco spot where we can relax and enjoy the weather with our crew. Hot on our radar are the brand-new patios at Red Door in Bucktown, Brasserie by LM in the South Loop, and Scofflaw in Logan Square. All three spaces are untapped resources of cool—and we're not just talking about the ice-cold drinks.

If you're unfamiliar with these just-opened venues, you might be puzzled as to what to wear. Please. You know we've completely got you on this one. We plotted three perfect weekend looks to keep you chill, in every sense of the word. Whether you're looking for a night of under-the-stars imbibing or an all-day hangfest, our patio finds will totally satisfy. Now, grab a friend and a margarita…or three.

UPDATE: We know it's summer, but you don't have to do the colorful/pastel thing every day. Learn how to wear all black, the right way. This story originally ran on May 16, 2012.

Like a trusted friend, the most reliable color in our wardrobe never lets us down. Our little black anythings are always there for us, ready to make us look amazing, seeing us through any party, date, or professional schmooze-fest. The danger, though, is that when it comes to ultra-dark outfits, you can have too much of a good thing and end up giving off a scary impression.

If you're craving new, never-tried ways to wear this standby shade, you'll want to take notes. We assembled three all-black outfits that show off your mad style skills, instead of hiding them in goth shadows. If you pay attention to details (and fabrics, and silhouettes), you can pull of a monochromatic look (even in the dead of summer!) that's all about confidence, creativity, and sartorial smarts. Click through for a trio of R29-styled outfits, and see how they'll inspire some of your own bright ideas.

[Update: This story was originally published on April 2.]

In the spirit of starting fresh this season, we’re taking to our closets and ridding them of any excess (you know, anything that hasn't seen light since 2002). But getting rid of all those freshly discarded threads presents a fresh new challenge of its own. Sure, consignment shopping and selling in L.A. can be something of a treasure hunt — with a serious spread of shops scattered around the city, there’s definitely no shortage and it can be overwhelming.

But, have you ever wondered how to properly hit up these spots like a pro, to maximize your style savings? There’s a secondhand strategy, people. You can’t just waltz in with a handful of summer items in the dead of winter (if you want to make any dough). So, we’ve tapped Sarah Kamshoshy of Crossroads Trading Co. to show us how to sell our goods seamlessly at some of the top L.A. resale boutiques. Ready, set, sell!

Photos Via (clockwise from top left): Ampersand Boutique, Buffalo Exchange, Decades, Crossroads Trading Co.

Tip 1: Make a Mental List
"Assemble a mental list of what you're looking for. Think about what you're currently coveting. Do you want a good carryall, a flattering midi skirt, or a cute cardigan? Consignment and buy-sell-trade shops are awesome because there is only one of everything, but they can also be overwhelming for the same reason. You don't have to write it down, but keeping a mental note will keep you focused."

Tip 2: Monday, Funday?
"While savvy sellers hit up the shops during the week, the majority of people sell on the weekend — probably because it’s too hard to find time, otherwise. Monday is always my favorite day to shop for the maximum amount of new arrivals. The neat thing about consignment is that inventory changes and is replenished literally by the minute – with every person who sells, new stuff goes on the racks."

Ampersand Boutique
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more elaborate consignment collection than the one at Ampersand Boutique. The shop boasts a mixture of bangin' brands from Christian Louboutin to H&M — quite the variety, eh? Plus, any items that aren't sold are donated to Dress for Success. Good garb for a great cause!
Ampersand Boutique, 658 North Larchmont Boulevard (At Melrose Avenue); 323-466-3300.

Buffalo Exchange
A fixture in the consignment biz, Buffalo Exchange continually stocks stellar, on-trend threads on the cheap. Whether you just want to pop in and browse, or cash in some of your sartorial leftovers — you won't leave disappointed.
Buffalo Exchange, 131 North La Brea Avenue; 323- 938-8604.

Decades
It's no secret that Decades is one of L.A.'s brightest resale stars. Since 1997, the shop has brought top-tier, luxe labels from around the globe to Los Angeles shoppers (we can't get enough of the exquisite baubles). Mosey around and view the stunning (pre-loved) items from the likes of Chanel, Nina Ricci, Balenciaga, and many more. We're like kids in a consignment candy shop, here.
Decades, 8214 Melrose Avenue (at Harper Avenue); 323-655-1960.

Crossroads
A must-hit Melrose haven for cashing in your oldies (but goodies) is the always-dependable Crossroads. Here, you'll find an open space brimming with enticing items — floor to ceiling. And your wares are always welcome, too. Clean out your closet this spring, and scurry pieces over to Crossroads to make some moolah — or just spend some on hip gear, if that's your preference.
Crossroads Trading Co., 8315 Santa Monica Boulevard (at Flores Street); 323-654-0505.

Other Notables:
Haute Seconds, 2721 Wilshire Boulevard (at 26th Street); 310-828-6500.
Owl Talk, 5060 Eagle Rock Boulevard (at Colorado Boulevard); 323-258-2465.

Okay, so it may just be a mini Prada flame shoe, but still. We couldn't help but squeal (and buy, buy, buy!) when we found this bite-sized Prada perfection at the Met Museum gift shop to celebrate the Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations exhibit, and we don't think it's overboard (or too early) to call this the must-have ornament of 2012. Not just for your Evergreen, but for your desk... or car, or bedside. This might just be the closest you get to the iconic wedge, and, at just $30, there's no reason why you can't snag a pair.

Leave your doting words in the comments below and tell us what you'd adorn with your Prada miniature.

Schiaparelli & Prada: Impossible Conversations Prada Flame Shoe Christmas Ornament, $30, available at The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store, 1000 5th Avenue (at 82nd Street); 212-570-3894.

Photos: Via The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store

Once upon a time, mesh was the least glamorous material you could find. It lined swim trunks and made up basketball jerseys, it held dirty laundry or, in its Hot Topic-goth iteration, was worn black and tight and reeked of teen angst. But the poor, downtrodden fabric is actually quite versatile — the perforation keeps it airy, the layering possibilities are endless, and the see-through quality keeps things casual and cool. On top of that; this is Miami, and we will take any chance we can get to let our fashion ventilate.

So we say, forget the haters, and let us wear a material that breathes...especially when it adorns adorable frocks, sporty totes, and major, major platforms, or is featured in neons, pastels, or colorblocks. A chic material that is easy and breezy? Sign us up, Miami.

UPDATE: This story was originally published on March 7, 2012. Since we're heading into a sunny weekend, we're giving you a refresher course on where to get the best secondhand style steals in the District and beyond.

Want to know one of our sartorial points of pride? We've almost never (and we mean ever) paid full-price for anything. Call us cheapskates if you must, but it's true — we know a good deal when we see one, and we know where to find it, too.

And (naturally), we love spreading the wealth to our friends. Since we consider you one of our nearest and dearest, we've concocted a little cheat sheet to help you find the best style scoops at some of our favorite consignment stores in the area. Peep our road map to some seriously chic (and in some cases, totally under-the-radar) treasure troves in the District, Maryland, and Virginia. Trust us — these are anything but sloppy seconds.

Don't tell her, but shopping for Mother's Day wasn't too tough. Dad's big day, though? That's a whole other story. An odyssey, even. It's hard work finding a present Pops will actually want (although, probably not on the same level, as, say, the effort he put into teaching us how to ride a bike).

And that's why we started this year's search extra early. We hit the Big Apple's best dude stores, did a lil' online snooping, and consulted our favorite city fathers to compile some CliffNotes—a compendium of 17 cool-dad gifts that definitely doesn't include the weird massage tool from the Hammacher Schlemmer catalog.

Our picks run the gamut from classic to fashion forward, so no matter how traditional or cutting edge he is, we promise there's at least one buy here that won't make your old man do the awkward fake-out. We all know that's more of a mom skill.

Summer shopping is the worlds best mood-lifter, no? We know you're all about bathing suits and tank tops right now, but don't forget that it's what's upstairs that counts, too. If your Chicago shoulders (and every other part of you) aren't exactly used to the sun's harsh rays yet, make sure they're totally protected, from the top down. We found eight super-sized hats for a day at the beach, lake, or even a rooftop, that are too cute for words. Start clicking, fast, because you'll want to take advantage of every gorgeous, sunny day we've got. You know they're numbered! Read on and don't feel bad about selecting overnight shipping. We're not judging.

What do you get when you combine Soludos’ signature espadrilles with Mara Hoffman’s bold patterns? Nothing less than a powerhouse for your feet. The shoe brand has teamed up with the esteemed designer to create a line of colorful, daring shoes that will make you want to say buh-bye to rubber flops and hello to cotton tops. These new summer staples can be found at Nic del Mar in the Gables, who also carries Hoffman’s swimwear pieces and coverups. But you’d better snag your pair (or two) quickly. At $42, they’ll be off shelves quicker than that eye print can blink.

Soludos Mystic by Mara Hoffman, $42, available at Nic del Mar, 475 Biltmore Way; 305-442-8080; Coral Gables.

Photo: Courtesy of Nic del Mar

Flea markets are the hub of summer-shopping goodness. Just one afternoon in a jam-packed parking lot and you can walk away with several new vintage dresses, the throwback round sunnies you've been after forever, and the dinged-to-perfection nightstand of your dreams. But equally as difficult as rummaging through the stalls is knowing how to dress for a day at the flea.

True, when you see that girl with her jacket in one hand, her iced coffee in the other, and her heels swaying left and right, it's easy to know what not to wear. But we've got a few more concrete ideas to solve your ensemble conundrum. From a tied-waist shirt that won't make you look like a tourist to the perfect hands-free bag, these outfit solutions are easy, adorable, and totally worthy of an afternoon at the market (and brunch before!). Now, if only finding that limited-edition vintage record you've been rummaging for was this simple.

Check out three casual-cool looks that are perfect for scouring NYC's chicest flea markets.

If you're like us, you can't wait to dive into Chicago's jam-packed festival season, feet first. With countless street fairs boasting impressive lineups, and the big boys of the summer music scene on the horizon, too, you've got some shopping to do. We're keeping the important stuff in mind when picking out footwear for your fun-filled weekends: comfort during those long, hot, on-your-feet festival days. But don't worry, we wouldn't let you show up at the park in anything less than a super-cute pair.

So, check out 15 shoes that will be the envy of every wristband-wearing festival-goer in Chicago. As a bonus, there's not a heel or awkward flatform in sight, so you'll stay comfy all day as you trek from stage to stage. All your fave bands and a little wardrobe superiority? If you ask us, that rocks.