Spring shoes get back to nature with earthy materials such as raffia, burlap and linen: Giuseppe Zanotti beaded linen mule, $385; Blue Dragon embroidered burlap wedge, $85; Nine West linen platform shoe, $69; Blue Dragon burlap mule, $70; David Aaron raffia-and-leather platform espadrille, $90; Vernillka raffia mule with leather trim, $75; Ras raffia platform espadrille, $88. For details, see Shop.

LOVIN' IT

2funkychick's cotton tees

feature a totally tongue-in-chic lineup of words and phrases you can customize with metal studs or colored rhinestones. The only thing better than that are the prices: $38-$58. For more information, call (800) 531-7094. For details, see Shop.

GET CARRIED AWAY WITH SPRING'S OVERSIZE HANDBAGS

Andrea Stuart embroidered canvas tote, $165

Mat Murphy leather-trimmed hemp tote, $378

Kate Spade monogrammed canvas tote, $215

Kooba satin doctor's bag with leather buckles, $340

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REBIRTH OF COOL

Designer Patrick Robinson launches a new line

Playing it safe isn't Patrick Robinson's style. He proved that two years ago when, in the midst of traveling to promote his well-regarded high-end signature line, the designer decided to close shop and set off in an entirely new fashion direction. "I realized I wanted to design real clothing, the kind of pieces that were missing from my wardrobe," says Robinson of his surprising change of heart. The fallout--soured business friendships and lost financial backing--could have effectively ended his career. But the industry vet's undeniable talent, fine-tuned over a 14-year career that includes paying his dues at such venerable design houses as Giorgio Armani and Anne Klein, soon attracted new fans. Enter Barry Pfeifer, a successful businessman whose friendship with Robinson has led to a new clothing line for men and women, Patrick Clark.

Like its namesake, Patrick Clark (Robinson's first and middle names) has an edgy yet unaffected appeal that is geared toward urban hipsters and discriminating fashionistas alike. But don't expect to find $1,000 jackets. These price points, $25 to $600, are far more affordable. The collection--which features T-shirts, wool and cashmere sweaters, silk tuxedo shirts, a little leather here and there, and jeans with a great cut that accommodates our curves--will soon be carried at such tony retailers as Fred Segal and Barneys New York. While some industry naysayers feel Robinson is too talented to design such a "young collection," Patrick Clark's creator is thrilled with his career move: "I'm finally getting to do the things I've dreamed about."