By Samantha Duenas of www.sosupersam.com

Ten Over Six is a standing monument to the importance of the accessory. The owners wanted to build a dream boutique that solely houses all of the fashion forward, of-the-moment accessories— and they did just that. Nestled in the neighborhood of West Hollywood in Los Angeles, the space has a minimalist art gallery look and feel. Only upon further inspection do you see the handbags and shoes of Alexander Wang, VPL and Vena Cava, carefully exhibited on the displays.

I had a chance to visit the boutique for a sneak peek presentation of their private label, crafted by owners Kristen Lee and Brady Cunningham. The private collection is a thoughtful reinterpretation of classic shapes and colors, ranging from geo-patterned coats to painted leather to chunky mod jewelry. You see an artful twist on the Chanel ‘quilt’ and the Louis Vuitton ‘Speedy’ that is sure to turn heads. These statement pieces are “rooted in homage to some of the designers’ favorites including Westwood and Chanel and are layered with bits of rawness, grunge, eclecticism and a sense of irony.”

Ten Over Six 7427 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles 90036 (323) 930-9355

Visit Ten Over Six at www.tenover6.com

By Ashley Roberts

Last night I had the honor of checking out Rachel Zoe’s jewelry collection at a private Decades Two event to benefit Ovarian Cancer National Alliance in Los Angeles. The store was overflowing with both Rachel’s personal collection of contemporary costume jewelry and LA’s most stylish gals. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the sale were donated to the very worthy charity and a hand-signed thank you note from the style maven herself accompanied each piece purchased.

I had a chance to say hello to Rachel and overheard her tell Racked LA that “getting rid of your personal possessions is a very emotional experience.” Rachel was wearing a beautiful black silk jumpsuit and I got a pic with her (see above) – both in our statement necklaces. Decades owner and perpetually chic Cameron Silver was the gracious host of the event, and I spotted actress Allison Miller who is in the new series Kings on NBC. The cast of the Rachel Zoe Project, Nicole Richie and Perrey Reeves all made appearances as well.

My favorite piece of the event’s offerings was a silver vintage statement necklace (see above) and I started planning my outfit as soon as I saw it. I love how delicate and bold the piece is and would wear it by dressing it down with the perfect loose fitting Alexander Wang tee along with a perfect pair of boyfriend jeans and gladiators this spring. The night would not have been complete without a showcase of Rachel’s bangles, which she is notorious for. I had my eye on the hand-carved wooden bangle but was too slow…sold!

To buy items from the sale, click here for the Ebay store.

They say that in times of economic hardship, creativity blossoms and people start to think outside the box. At Closet Couture, we like to apply this principle to our closets by making the most of what we have and adding a little along the way, without breaking the bank. And from the likes of the latest internet fashion sensations, it looks like we’re not alone. We’ve taken notice to the recent up rise of DIY fashion from some of our favorite bloggers, including Judy Aldridge of Atlantis Home; Mimi Jung of Brook & Lyn; and the lovely ladies behind Bleach Black. Patchwork denim, studded trench coats, and fringe scarves are just a few of the DIY projects that we’re obsessing over.

Patchwork Denim: Judy Aldridge adorned her 501’s in leather patches, turning them into the coolest, ‘70s-inspired pair of jeans we’ve yet to see. She combined a vintage look with modern Dries van Noten strappy sandals and a black button-down.

How to: http://atlantishome.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/01/diy-j.html

Studded Spy Coat: Mimi Jung of Brook & Lyn has DIY studding down pat. We love her vintage trench that she scored for “practically nothing,” and her idea of studding the front and the back to give it an entirely new look.

How To: http://brookandlyn.com/?p=1166

Fringe Scarf: Valerie Killeen and Kristin Reiter of the addictive fashion blog, Bleach Black, have created the perfect fringe scarf out of a piece of jersey fabric. Now we know what to do with all those jersey dresses that have been sitting in our closets for two years!

How To: http://www.bleachblack.com/?p=3605

Swimsuit season is right around the corner, and we have all dreadfully anticipated that time of year at one point (like, now.) If you still can’t wrap your head around the idea of flaunting an itsy bitsy bikini while sunning at the beach, there are some ‘50s-inspired bathing suits that will get you through the summer looking svelte and glamorous. Retro swimsuits are getting fresh, modern updates in a variety of styles and shapes, both one-pieces and bikinis that remind us of a young Ingrid Bergman as an alluring pin-up girl. Here, a few of our favorites.

Loeffler Randall’s Zipper Bandeau Bikini keeps that ‘50s-inspired, boy short shape that we love and adds zipper details to give it just the right amount of edge. Available at www.shopbop.com, a Closet Couture retailer

This Marilyn-style suit by Kimchi Blue has an interior shelf bra that gives a perfect lift and a skirt overlay in case you want to keep the bottom half concealed. We especially love the bright coral, but it is also available in black. Available at www.urbanoutfitters.com

It doesn’t get more retro than a high-waisted polka-dot bikini. Cuche’, a line of swimwear out of Vancouver, is known for turning out flattering suits with adorable details like this ‘Charlie’ style. Available at www.cuchebikinis.com

We were immediately drawn to this plum colored maillot from Rachel Pally for its sweetheart neckline and ruching details. It hugs the curves in just the right places. Available at www.shopbop.com, a Closet Couture retailer

This checkered two-piece from Salinas is for the modern-day Bettie Page. The twist knot adds an element of cuteness, as does the ruffle on the bottoms. Available at www.anthropologie.com

We can’t get enough polka-dots! We love this one-piece from Lux for the adorable ruffle detailing and the cinched sweetheart neckline. Available at www.urbanoutfitters.com

A recent wave of leather looks have been popping up on and off the runway, heavily influenced by the ‘80s. It’s no longer just about the staple biker jacket making its way into the closets of stylish women; leather pants, shorts, and dresses are also making a comeback. We picked a few of our favorite leather looks from Indie Cult Vintage, one of the best eBay stores to score on cool, covetable vintage pieces. Our top picks: high waisted skinny leather pants, a Versace style leather bustier dress complete with studs and, of course, the perfect black leather motorcycle jacket.

Vintage High Wasted Skinny Leather Pants:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI…em=230333080366

Vintage Leather Bustier Dress:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI…em=330316870310

Vintage Leather Biker Jacket:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI…em=330316850188

Yves Saint Laurent’s cage boots have caused a shoe fetish amongst the fashion obsessed. Seen on the streets of Milan and Paris during fashion week, the must-have black patent leather boot has the perfect peep-toe and can be worn year round, with tights or without. They may not be the most budget conscious buy but they are certainly worth the splurge. For a similar style that is easier on the wallet, we like these lattice cage booties from Topshop.

Yves Saint Laurent Cage Boots available at www.barneys.com, $1590

Lattice Cage Sandal available at www.topshop.com, $145