black and bleu

Cool Rider

2011-06-14T17:45:00.001-05:00

Cool Rider by alisonleiby featuring aquamarine jewelry

A P C long sleeve sweater
$175 - lagarconne.com

Elizabeth and James shirts blouse
210 GBP - women.fashionbeans.com

Rika shirts blouse
$93 - lagarconne.com

Rag Bone blazer
$575 - net-a-porter.com

A.P.C. cotton pants
$230 - net-a-porter.com

Michael Kors kitten heels
650 GBP - women.fashionbeans.com

J W Hulme leather satchel handbag
$483 - lagarconne.com

Jamie Joseph aquamarine jewelry
$595 - shopkikionline.com

House of Harlow 1960 costume jewelry
$215 - stylebop.com

Jimmy Choo animal print scarve
379 EUR - veryeickhoff.com

LE VERNIS Nail Colour - CHANEL - Lips - Makeup - CHANEL - Luxury -...
17 GBP - selfridges.com

Jenni Kayne Resort: Perfect

2011-06-10T10:40:00.004-05:00

I cannot get enough of Jenni Kayne's 2012 Resort collection. The soft melon hues and the neon yellow totally work (and make me think of chilly summer cocktails and bright fruit salads). Hints of grey (cardigan above) and neutral (shoes) ground an otherwise colorfully ambitious presentation. Being almost 100 degrees yesterday it was hard to imagine looking at cardigans and closed-toed shoes, but this I could manage.

(photos via style.com)

summer!

2011-06-10T10:26:00.001-05:00

summer! by alisonleiby featuring bikini bathing suits

Marc Jacobs printed top
$198 - theoutnet.com

J Crew long top
$78 - net-a-porter.com

Current/Elliott boyfriend denim shorts
$150 - net-a-porter.com

Eberjey bikini bathing suit
$75 - calypsostbarth.com

H M swimwear
6.99 GBP - hm.com

Sigerson Morrison leather shoes
175 GBP - theoutnet.com

Juicy couture handbag
$198 - couture.zappos.com

Tom Binns multicolor necklace
$2,175 - net-a-porter.com

Ray-Ban aviator shades
243 GBP - sunglasses-shop.co.uk

NARS Duo Cream Eyeshadow
$33 - nordstrom.com

NARS Lip Gloss - Wonder
$24 - barneys.com

Grammy Fashion

2011-02-14T01:00:00.009-05:00

Tonight was the Grammys. I did not actually watch it because I was busy doing other important things (like seeing a comedy show and also making a turkey sandwich, though not in that order). I did happen to see Cee-Lo and the puppets perform, which was enjoyable because I love Cee-Lo and puppets, though could do without Gwyneth Paltrow fancying herself a pop singer.

Thankfully, NY Mag has posted the fashion highlights from the red carpet so I really don't feel like I missed a beat!

Jewel's right breast seems to be making a run for it. It probably wanted to go join someone who is still relevant to the music industry.

This waiter is going to get a major talking to from his manager when they find out he sneaked onto the red carpet (Note: for those of you over the age of 16, this is what people are calling a "Justin Bieber").

Toni Braxton was there, wearing presumably the same outfit she wore to the Grammys back when she was winning them in the 90s.
Correction: This dated get-up is nothing like the modest gown Braxton donned in her heyday. Also, I love her albums, so I mean no disrespect.

Eva Longoria and Jennifer Lopez both came dressed as Kim Kardashian, so that's something.

Oh, Katy Perry. There are so many things I like about you: "California Girls," your seemingly adorable marriage to Russell Brand, the fact that you have a cat named Kitty Purry. This look, however, is nothing like the sexy, pin-up-like outfits in which I normally see you. No, this looks like you drunkenly bedazzled a full-figure bra and ripped the lining out of a fancy wedding dress.

And on a much more appealing note, here is the always enjoyable John Legend. Is it just me or does he look like a black version of Joseph Gordon-Levitt?

(photos via nymag)

NYFW: Adam and Erin

2011-02-13T18:55:00.006-05:00

The Adam show was far more sophisticated than I had expected, continuing a trend I've seen from Adam Lippes. Lots of fur, grown-up trousers and chunky knits--my favorite things for fall and winter. I also just got a fisherman style cable-knit cardigan, so I'm super drawn to the black crewneck version shown with the mixed media skirt.

I absolutely love when designers who do a presentation and photoshoot rather than a full-fledged runway show take some risks with the poses and lighting. Erin Fetherston never disappoints, but this collection, at least for me, was ideal. The soft lighting and editorial poses made me like this collection even more. I would wear basically everything she presented--probably all year long.

(photos via style.com)

Give Me SOM More

2011-02-11T15:56:00.006-05:00

The Peter Som show this season was absolutely outstanding, and I'm having a hard time not just posting all of the images from the collection. I only chose a few, and let's start with the above, shall we? Readers of this blog are far too familiar with my obsession with mixing fancy and casual pieces, specifically in the form of parka jackets and fancy skirts and dresses. I don't know what it is, but there is something about that combination that makes me happy. I'm really into the fur collar of the coat above, especially paired with that bright red/pink.
Expertly tailored, liquid like sequin pieces are, to me, the ultimate luxury. This outfit is so rich looking that you ignore the fact that is is basically just a long sleeve top and a pencil skirt. SPARKLES.
To return to my earlier-mentioned love of mixing high and low, let's address the absolute perfection of this gown...THAT HAS POCKETS. When I look at my life, I honestly do not foresee ever needing a floor length gown, but if I did, I would want it to be this one. Imagine wearing this to a stuffy, black tie event. You could keep all kinds of things in those pockets, like snacks! Also, it's gorgeous.

Check out the rest of the show, it's fantastic and definitely worth the four minute investment.

(images via style.com)

Um, that's a blazer?

2011-02-11T15:36:00.003-05:00

Yes, according to online retailer, YOOX, the puffy, velvet crop-top pictured above is a BLAZER.

I don't quite know where to start with this item. I mean, first off, let's address YOOX itself. I've been a huge fan of this online European designer outlet of sorts for years. My enjoyment of it is two-pronged. The site sells AMAZING clothing at what I think are the cheapest prices around ($45 Valentino wool skirts, $100 Jil Sander cashmere turtlenecks?) and is organized in a way that my friends and I consider to be geared towards "Advanced Shoppers" like ourselves. In addition to the sophisticated runway designers I love, the site features a laundry list of European contemporary labels that produce nothing but insane clothing, like the 'blazer' above from Alice San Diego (who?).

Now, onto the item itself. From what I can tell from the description, this is actually a piece that opens and closes via snaps, though I see no evidence of that in the photos. I'm also unclear as to why the stylist chose to feature this velvet nightmare over a flesh-colored top tucked into jeans. Is this what Alice San Diego had in mind when she designed it? Is this how it's supposed to look?

I could write for hours about the problems of this garment, but I must stop myself and address the problem that struck me most when I was two hours into some "heavy browsing" at 3am: the site lists this item as a BLAZER. Has anyone at YOOX ever SEEN a blazer? I'm guessing not.

If you're looking for some amazing designer finds or a good fashion laugh, look around on YOOX, you won't be disappointed.

That Time of Year: NYFW

2011-02-11T14:48:00.008-05:00

It's that wonderful time of year again in New York: early February! Who doesn't love a city systemically ill-equipped for winter weather with poorly insulated buildings at a time of year when the region is getting pounded with ice, snow, and below average temperatures? I tell you who DOES love it--the fashion industry.

Yes, New York Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2011 is here, which means one thing: I start blogging again for a few weeks and then leave this site in the dust again until September. I'm going to try and not commit that awful internet-apathy offense this year, but for now, let's look at some shows!

Jenni Kayne (as expected) totally rocked my world. I'm a longtime fan, so I figured I would probably enjoy her casual cool looks and styling. I had no idea she would present a collection so thoroughly my taste that I would consider taking a job in finance just so I could afford one outfit. Seriously, if I could wear one look for the rest of my life, it would be the second one posted above. Everything down to the weirdly gnome-like slippers and the perfectly flat hair. I'm so on board. Great show.

Another favorite, Rachel Comey, delivered a show that exceeded my expectations (which were VERY high). While I gravitate towards the neutral or muted tones of the collection, there were many bold graphic looks that used rich color in a way that you rarely see. Really wonderful clothes.

I love Vena Cava, I really do. Ever since the label came on the scene I've been lusting over the printed, silk dresses and cool-girl knits. The Autumn/Winter 2010 show was so good that I had nothing but high hopes for this year's presentation. I'm sad to say, for me, it was hit or miss. I read in advance of the show that the designers were channeling a non-grunge 90s look reminiscent of Fiona Apple. This got me incredibly excited as I love Fiona Apple and have been pleasantly surprised with the 90s revival some other indie designers have created. The look above is, in my opinion, one of the successes. I think the print and colors of that skirt are beautiful, and I'm actually into the idea of a long skirt like that (mostly on tall, thin models, not so much on me yet). Unfortunately, this was not the whole show.
Don't get me wrong, the model is pulling this look off. And there are aspects of this that warrant praise, like that the skirt reminds me of Lanvin in a really good way. But I don't know, the show was lots of tight, cropped tops and long skirts. Very 90s, sure, but I could have used a few more of the great, wearable dresses that I come to expect from Vena Cava.

(photos via style.com)

All Hail Michael Kors

2010-10-02T10:15:00.006-05:00

In general, I favor the fall/winter collections over spring/summer, especially when it comes to Michael Kors. I have a soft spot for tweeds, wools, and dark colors. Spring 2011 may have changed my mind. Every look was magnificent. Though I normally relish September, October, and November, I find myself eager for spring now that I've seen this collection.

Oversized blazers and super-long thin belts? Genius.

Bathing suits are tough on a runway--in my opinion often a weak point in a show. A belt may not be the most practical addition to a one piece, but I have to say I love the look.

Kors used this skirt material for a few pieces and in both purple and a rich emerald green. There is something so chic about an over the top skirt with a slim t-shirt and flat leather sandals.

Fantastic gold dress with a casual belt.

I know what you're thinking--this looks like pajamas. You're right, there's a very nighttime look to this (nighttime like going to bed, not nighttime like 10pm fancy dinner). I think there is something so luxurious about silk pants though. Granted, you must be tall and thin for this to work, but she looks so elegant and at the same time so relaxed. Plus, a floor length, navy, silk trench coat is about as good as it gets.

Cat Lady in Barneys' Catalog

2010-10-01T10:05:00.002-05:00

Refinery29 pointed out the amazing 'cat lady' theme of the latest Barneys' New York catalog. I love cats, and fashion (hence my love of Cat Party). This page was my favorite because not only its there a hilarious white cat in the photo, but there is one of my favorite Dries Van Noten looks from their last runway show. Heaven.

Fashion Apocalypse

2010-09-12T16:06:00.003-05:00

Simon Doonan, Barneys creative director, husband to to lovable Jonathan Adler, and all-around amazing person can now add 'Slate columnist' to his long list of jobs. Mr. Doonan will be penning a somewhat regular column for the site called, Notes from the Fashion Apocalypse.

If his inaugural entry is any indication of what is to come, I'm very excited. His way with words is as impressive as his knowledge of fashion and impeccable personal style. Add this to your blog roll, you won't want to miss a single one.

(image via hint magazine)

I'll pass, thanks.

2010-09-11T17:02:00.004-05:00

The other day Garance Dore posted an interesting topic to her blog (not unlike her stylish paramour, The Sartorialist): What fashion trends/styles would you NEVER try (or have you tried and were really unhappy with)?

These are my answers:

-Like Garance, I'm not someone whose face is made for short hair. Nor can I pull off blond (that's an assumption, I've never tried and never will).
-Chokers. I know that they were trendy and then became super outdated, but are still something people wear. Not I.
-Hats. I'm sorry, I can't.
-Wide Leg Trousers. You have to be tall and thin to make these work, two things I am not. Though, they do look incredible if you're built for them.
-Rompers. They look adorable on the girls that can pull them off, but I would look like a jerk (though there was a slate grey version from Helmut Lang that I seriously considered).

What about you guys?

(image from the United Bamboo 2010 cat fashion calendar, via stylebyme)

Sheer + Shearling

2010-09-11T16:16:00.002-05:00

Sheer + Shearling by alisonleiby featuring a rope necklace

So I started using polyvore again, and I have to say, I totally missed it. It took up the better part of my afternoon (well, the part that wasn't spent making grilled cheese sandwiches and watching Scrubs).

This is basically how I would spend my entire fall, provided I had unlimited funds. The sheer Fendi blouse with the knit Michael Kors skirt (from the best collection ever) and the luxe Vince shearling coat would be an incredible way to dress in autumn.

Jason Wu, I Love You

2010-09-11T10:55:00.004-05:00

Jason Wu is one of those shows I look forward to from the first minute of fashion week, and thankfully his show came early. The collection is both sexy and tailored, youthful and elegant. See for yourself, the man is still a rising star in the industry.

Heaven. I'm all about 70s silhouettes, but the way this was modernized is making me see my favorite decade in a whole new way. It's a fresh take on the secretary/bow blouse.

More great separates. The top is a little sheer for real life, but otherwise I'm in love with this look. Such a great, breezy skirt. Another example of a dress up/dress down look. Fantastic.

No. Words.

(photos via style.com)

Rachel Comey and Vena Cava: Brilliant

2010-09-11T10:00:00.008-05:00

Two early shows that are making me contemplate emptying my bank account to buy one t-shirt: Rachel Comey and Vena Cava. It's no surprise that they both knocked it out of the park.

Rachel Comey
This will be my uniform next spring. It's so easy and has a great Rachel Comey print without getting too cutesy or confusing. The blouse is out of control. I need it.
Holy crap! This is one of the most genius dresses I have seen in a very long time. Talk about flattering--the way the chiffon comes together at the waist with the belt will make anyone look like they have a tiny waist. Plus, the colors are amazing.
Another amazing chiffon dress. While I'm not of the proportions to make a high halter top even remotely appealing, I respect that there are many other ladies who can. This is gorgeous, especially if you zoom in on the fabric. And God knows I love a good mix of black and blue.

Vena Cava
Here is just another example of why there needs to be diversity on the runway--the impact of this orange dress against the models dark skin is 1000x more striking than it would be on a pale, white girl. Vena Cava is always on the effortlessly cool/chic side, this collection is no exception. I mean, come on, you don't even need to wear necklaces or earrings with this dress. So easy.
It's no surprise that I'm a sucker for sportswear. I absolutely love the mixed patterns and retro proportions of this look. I might, in reality, prefer a full length pant, but otherwise I'm head over heels for this. That cardigan is downright incredible.
I don't even know if it's worth going into why these two dresses are genius. If I have to tell you, then you probably have no business reading a fashion blog. Or having eyes.

(photos via style.com)

Fashion vs Style

2010-09-09T22:12:00.003-05:00

Today, The Sartorialist posted this image and asked what his readers thought of the idea of being fashionable vs having style. I agree that there is a difference between the two. A girl can be "fashionable" and dressed in head to toe trendy designers--and look like it. I absolutely LOVE the look of the young woman above. I don't know if those are items are from Saks or the Salvation Army, but she looks cool and stylish and like the kind of woman you want to know (or be, really).

On an unrelated note--I love the idea of oversized clutches, like the one above, but I'm not sure they are practical. There was a beautiful one in the Autumn-Winter 2010/2011 Dries Van Noten show that I lusted after, but I just can't imagine actually carrying one around.

(photo via the sartorialist)

NY Fashion Week: Here Goes...

2010-09-09T21:51:00.005-05:00

The crowds have descended on Lincoln Center, and an area normally populated by Julliard students, the elderly, and tourists is now overrun with everyone in the fashion world (well, unless they are at Milk Studios). Despite being a mere 20 blocks away, haven't seen the tent and I probably won't, but get ready for more images and short recaps than you can possibly handle.

One of the first collections posted to Style.com is Willow. The Australian designer showed some great pieces with plenty of great prints and clever cut-outs. Plus--paillettes! I'm not the world's biggest fan of the gladiator shoes, but I can look past that and just enjoy these two amazing dresses.

Lyn Devon created a wonderful and polished collection of wearable pieces for spring. This yellow look is one of the driving forces in my goal of putting together the right monochromatic outfit. Done right it is so chic. Done wrong and you look like an idiot. There is a very thin line between the two.

While I'm not completely on board with the excessive layers of sheer fabric (jacket over dress over shirt over pants over pants? what?), there were aspects of the Richard Chai Love collection that I, well, loved. I'm all about flowing neutrals. This all looks really comfortable. And completely unaffordable. Hooray for fashion.

(photos via style.com)

Here it Comes

2010-09-08T21:37:00.003-05:00

Fashion Week is here! Bring on Spring/Summer 2011! Mayor Bloomberg and Diane von Furstenberg unveiled a new sign at the Lincoln Center subway stop for the 1 train, proclaiming it to be the fashion line. Truth be told, I've always considered the 1 to the the 'fashion line' because it stops at both the Upper West Side and Chelsea Loehmann's.

Anyway, get ready for a barrage of posts featuring gorgeous clothing and complaining about how I'll never afford them.

(photo via racked)

Summer-Fall transition...via sale

2010-09-04T14:29:00.008-05:00

September is one of my favorite months because it's that first month of fall, the best season (not up for discussion). The weather is just getting cool but there's still that hint of warm air. You can wear pants or sweaters or blazers or boots comfortably but without necessity. But it can be a tricky month to dress because bright summer sundresses and strappy sandals aren't always appropriate.

Fear not! I've found some great sale items for the tricky summer-fall transition. You can thank me later (preferably with compliments and candy).

I think the hardest part of wearing breezy dresses in early fall is that the traditional summer dress is bright and bold and geared more for after beach drinks than grocery shopping. This Patterson J. Kincaid dress might be the solution to that problem. I would wear this on its own with some great pumps at night (NOT those pictured) when it's still warm outside. You could also easily throw on tights and boots and a sweater when it gets colder. Also, thanks to Dries Van Noten I've become a sucker for animal prints.

Patterson J. Kincaid Elena Dress, Shopbop, $44.40

I love button downs. I love them. I don't know if it has to do with getting older or working or what, but if I see a good button down, I have to have it. I love this one because it's a nice neutral that errs a bit more on the spring-summer side of things but would still totally work in the fall. Note: I would wait until there's an extra percentage off sale at J. Crew before buying anything.

J. Crew Bay Stripe Perfect Shirt, $24.99

A great printed skirt is just a good thing to have. The colors of this Steven Alan skirt are perfect, perfect I tell you! And it has pockets. Just buy it already.

Steven Alan Ella Skirt, La Garconne, $79

Canvas flats are amazing. They can make shorts and a t-shirt look cute and not sloppy and are the perfect pairing for ankle skimming skinny jeans. I love this sportier pair from Les Prairies des Paris and the muted red color.

Les Prairies des Paris Tcho Flats, Creatures of Comfort, $66.00

So take advantage of the end of summer sales and start getting excited for fall (that's what I'm doing, obviously).

Lanvin for H&M?

2010-09-04T14:16:00.003-05:00

Yes, that's right, it's confirmed: Lanvin will be creating a line for H&M. The line launches November 20, 2010, which is nicely timed for the holiday season. In my most lavish fantasies about holiday parties, I imagine that 1) I'm the kind of person that goes to them, 2) that they are INCREDIBLY fancy and 3) I'm almost always wearing a fantastic Lanvin look that includes dark neutrals and an unnecessary amount of jewels. Since those three things aren't quite real, it would be nice to find a Lanvin designed piece for under $200 to wear to a cocktail party around the holidays.

I think that this collaboration could actually work. So many fail to meet the high expectations of the non-wealthy, fashion-loving masses. But Lanvin is so rich, so luxurious and so undeniably chic that if even an inkling of the Alber Elbaz's design sense comes through in the affordable clothes, it'll be a success. I for one, may actually go to H&M for this line.

(image via style.com, Lanvin s/s 2010)

Guess Who's Back?

2010-09-04T14:03:00.005-05:00

ME! (Seen here relaxing in Arizona in June, aka the surface of the sun)

Fashion Week is quickly approaching, so I'm going to try and ease into this whole blogging thing again, because I would hate to deprive the world of my opinions about clothes. I mean, how would society continue to exist without them?

Stay tuned, I'm just warming up.

(outstanding drawing courtesy of gigi)

Resort Report

2010-06-13T17:00:00.012-05:00

Resort 2011 is here! Can you believe it? Yeah, whatever. Some great shows to browse through.

Adam
Sure it's a contemporary collection and not a high end designer show, but I always love seeing what Adam Lippes puts together. I really want to dress like the model above, but bulky, metallic pants only really work on models. Sigh.

Bottega Veneta
Is any label better than Bottega Veneta at casual, relaxed resortwear (or any-wear, to be honest). This would be my uniform if I were vacationing somewhere. Oh, and a super wealthy.

Chris Benz
What is there to say? It's not exactly resort, I'd be more inclined to wear this in the city or to work, but I love it nonetheless. And get me that necklace, stat.

Donna Karan
The queen of body-conscious, modern dresses presented a phenomenal and very fancy collection. The draped jersey gowns are stunning, though not as great as the outfit above.

Erin Fetherston
I want EVERYTHING in this collection. So many easy dresses and separates to make it in the uncomfortable season that is summer. This dress in every color would be a huge help.

Jason Wu
This resort collection was so strong I had trouble deciding which image to use. There were many versions of the great black floral-esque print in blue or purple or red. There was an amazing leopard, chiffon dress. There were adorable short suits. But in the end, how could I possibly not use such a classic look. Let's face it, stripes are in.

Oscar de la Renta
SWEET JESUS HOW DO I GET THAT DRESS AND SOMEWHERE TO WEAR IT? (Also, great collection in general).

Rachel Roy
I desperately want to trade lives with Rachel Roy. But since that's impossible (I think...) I would settle for a dress or two from her resort collection.

Vena Cava
Reminiscent of the last fall collection from the Brooklyn duo, which is obviously a good thing. Great prints, flirty silhouettes. All in all, I'm more than satisfied.

Yigal Azrouel
While I loved the mostly white collection, this look is especially nice. Perfect proportions and a surprisingly nice color story.

Nordsrtom Half-Yearly Sale

2010-06-04T19:15:00.007-05:00

There are two big events for Nordstrom shoppers. One is the Anniversary sale in July/August where fall items go on sale for a week or two before jumping back up to full retail price. The other is the Half-Yearly sale, usually less exciting, but worth perusing nonetheless (the other big event for Nordstrom shoppers is every time you decide to eat the in the store cafe and get the tomato soup--it's a secret gem that only advanced shoppers know about). Anyway, I did the shopping for you, here are some highlights:

Twenty8Twelve Chiffon Trim Silk Dress, $214
I really hate that saying that, "every woman needs a little black dress", but, well, every woman does need a go-to, super flattering, wear in most occasions black dress. I like this one from the Miller sisters (that's Sienna and Savannah) because it isn't too boring but it's still pretty simple. You could easily put on some sandals and walk out the door. Or if you wanted you could add a great belt. Or you could top it with a blazer and some heels for a work situation. Quite a versatile dress from a line that specializes in trends.

L.A.M.B. Ink Blot Voile Top, $73.90
Over the years I've been really impressed with Gwen Stefani's line. Once she moved away from bizarre, Tokyo-esque tshirts and Rastafarian sweat suits, she started making really great, sophisticated clothing. I love this blouse, it's another go-anywhere-do-anything piece. This would be great under a suit or thrown over a pair of cute shorts with flats. And it's not prohibitively expensive!

Alexis Bittar Large Tapered Oval Hoop Earrings, $71.90
You can never go wrong with Alexis Bittar jewelry. Most costume jewelry (or 'fashion' jewelry according to Nordstrom) is a gamble online. It can arrive and look very cheap and cheesy. Not these earrings. The color is 'warm grey', which sounds like a great neutral to have.

Trouve Oversized Chambray Shirt, $28.90
Trouve is, I think, one of Nordstrom's several in house lines. These lines are usually great for reliable basics and trendier pieces you don't want to spend money on (most of them are in the T.B.D. department). Everyone should have an oversized chambray shirt, and for less than $30, this is a no-brainer.

KORS Michael Kors Olypmia Flat, $97.90
Almost everyone loves Nordstrom for its shoe department (the rest love it for its 'anything goes' return policy, and me and a cabal of a few others love it for its tomato soup). And I agree, the shoe department is pretty great. I've said before that I love Michael Kors Collection shoes because they get obscenely cheap at discount stores and are so cute and comfortable. Well, the cute and comfortable goes for the accessories bridge line, KORS , too. I love these flats. They come in gold and silver. I promise they will be gone soon, who wouldn't want them?

Madewell Online Store

2010-06-04T19:12:00.004-05:00

Finally, Madewell has an online store. After a year or so of going to the website only to find out store locations and when Denim After Dark is, you can finally buy Madewell clothes and accessories over the internet (this is probably far more exciting for those stuck in cities and towns without a Madewell store). So log on, spend money, enjoy!

Fallen Needles Shirt, $88

Nail Polish!

2010-06-04T18:57:00.003-05:00

According to Racked, Revlon's summer scented nail polishes are flying off the shelves. It makes perfect sense. The colors, from what I can see, are amazing (that orange!) and who wouldn't love the option of your manicure smelling like something besides, well, nail polish? It's one of the worst scents in the beauty industry. I haven't actually had the luxury of smelling any of these yet, but I absolutely want to. I can guess what the sweet smelling ones like Grape Icy and Peach Smoothie are like, but I'm most curious about Ocean Breeze and Beach.

In other internet nail polish news, Refinery29 has a great slideshow of summer's nail colors with the best/most fitting names. Nail polish color names are usually the most fascinating part of a manicure (as opposed to the most relaxing, which is obviously the hand massage). My favorite from this set is Swagger, both for the name and the color.

(photo via racked)

Be Choosy

2010-05-27T18:31:00.004-05:00

Here and there, on this blog, I discuss choices: how to pick a good cocktail dress, or what color nail polish looks great with white or choosing whether I preferred Chloe under Stella McCartney or Phoebe Philo (I will never make that decision).

Now you have some choices to make, whether to read me on Black and Bleu, Leibrary or the newest place you can find my writing, The Choice Effect. Scratch that, it's not a choice, read them all.

(photo via)

Bird House

2010-05-25T21:39:00.003-05:00

Everyone (NOT just Brooklyn-dwellers) loves the local, super stylish boutique Bird. The interior design blog Design*Sponge featured the apartment of store owner Jen Mankins and it perfectly fits with the store aesthetic. It only makes sense that the woman who curates a shop full of Rachel Comey, A.P.C. and Vena Cava would have a home that looks like this:
I need that owl pillow. And while we're at it, I need basically everything in her apartment and her store.

Shopbop Summer Sale

2010-05-25T20:07:00.006-05:00

In the last few years Shopbop has gone from the go-to for Juicy Couture and bootcut jeans to a well edited but still large selection of higher-end contemporary designers. When they have sales things don't get super cheap--even at 70% off--you can find some good deals if you look. Thankfully, I can do the looking for you. Here are my suggestions for where to spend your paycheck(s).

Theory Bretta Blazer, $115
This cropped, fancy black blazer from theory is so perfect to throw over a cocktail dress or jeans for a night out. The thin lapel makes it trendy and the shorter back can certainly be tricky if you're wearing separates, but it's still a good deal considering the retail price.

Mike & Chris Charles Moto Dress, $147.50
I normally think of amazing leather jackets when I think of Mike & Chris, but this dress is changing my mind. I absolutely love the color and the asymmetrical neckline and black lined zippers. It's cool without being overly trendy, flirty without being too girly-girl, just like the trademark leather jackets.

Rachel Leigh Gatsby Layering Necklace, $66
Pretty sweet necklace, decent price. Not much more to say.

Rebecca Minkoff Leopard Three Pouch Set, $69.30
I have recently learned that mini-pouches are incredibly useful, especially when you spend like 12 hours a day running around the city and thus carry around a purse that resembles and airplane carry-on. These pouches are perfect for a few pieces of make-up or an ipod or even some snacks. These leopard versions from Rebecca Minkoff are super cute.

So check out the sale, if you have some liquid income, for these things and lots of T by Alexander Wang, jeggings and pricey but amazing heels and handbags.

Vicky not in Barcelona

2010-05-25T19:56:00.003-05:00

WWD (here via Racked) announced the August magazine covers and I couldn't be more thrilled to hear that the cover of W (newly run by Stefano Tonchi, formerly of T magazine--clearly a man who loves letters) will feature the always perfect Jon Hamm and the stunning Rebecca Hall (pictured above), my favorite character from one of my favorite movies Vicky Christina Barcelona. I can only imagine what a phenomenal cover it will be.

(photo via the case for global film)

Cover Kate

2010-05-20T18:03:00.003-05:00

Above is Kate Moss on the cover of the June/July 2010 issue of Vogue Paris. How can you expect anything but perfection when you mix Carine Roitfeld at the helm of one of the best fashion magazines and put (in my opinion) the greatest model ever on a retro yet modern, tropical cover? Exactly.

(photo via fashion conspicuous)

Buy it: Birdhouse Jewelry

2010-05-18T19:10:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago on a chilly trip to Brooklyn Flea I came across Birdhouse Jewelry. Though I was still on a high from a Luke's Lobster Roll and a really tasty lemon-ginger soda, I browsed the booth for awhile and eventually had to make some difficult decisions about what piece to buy. I settled on an awesome long, gold chain with a gold stingray charm on it. Everything is affordable (my necklace was only $20) and the pieces range from cheeky charms and animals to more colorful stone pieces. Also, you don't have to trek all the way to Fort Greene, you can buy the collection on Etsy here!

(pictured above is the Gold Lovey Dovey necklace)

Retold

2010-05-18T18:31:00.002-05:00

An introduction to my adventures in retail

Since I was a teenager I have worked in retail on and off in a variety of capacities ranging from once or twice a week in the summer for extra cash to full-blown, gouge your eyes out, full-time. And in those many, many hours spent folding clothes or windexing glass fixtures, I've acquired a lot of experiences (and opinions). From time to time I will share them with you, offering a keen perspective into the somewhat masochistic mind of someone who willingly worked in an environment that had a "cash wrap".

But as an introduction, I thought I might detail one of my first retail experiences that made me question whether or not I had made the right decisions in life (this was by far not the last):

In high school and during one or two summers in college I earned extra cash working at a chain store that rhymed with "Funglass Butt". The store was right in downtown Annapolis, only feet away from where people parked their boats to come to town and have lunch before sailing off to the Chesapeake Bay to enjoy an afternoon of swimming and drinking (those same afternoons, I sat in an overly air-conditioned store listening to the same 9 track cd on repeat for 8 hours). Things at the store were, despite being part of a major national chain, pretty low key. My manager was super cool and 8 months pregnant, so she could really care less about the minutae of our jobs.

One day the regional manager told us that since we now sold prescription sunglasses (though none of us ever actually sold a pair) we had to answer the phone a new way. Rather than just saying something, you know, normal and easy, we had to say this:

Thank you for calling "Funglass Butt", now offering the finest in designer AND prescription eyewear, this is [employee name] how can I help you today?

We laughed, thinking this must be a joke. Written out it doesn't look that terrible, but say it out loud. Then try and imagine saying it when you answer a phone to a frantic customer searching for some weird, rare pair of Maui Jims. Not happening. When I told my friends who worked at other downtown Annapolis retail locations (one an employee of a Mexican home goods store, the other an employee of Hats in the Belfry, which obviously sold hats) they died and repeatedly called the store during my shift so that I would have to say it. I often didn't get much past "Thank you" before they started laughing, betraying their identity and forcing me to say "Dear God I hate you and this stupid job".

No one at my store was answering the phone correctly (or in the case of some employees, at all). This drove corporate to call the store randomly to do checks to see that we were spouting off an unnecessarily long sentence every time we picked up the phone.

This happened to be the summer before college, and I was lucky enough to be going to a super fancy, Ivy League school. I was about to embark on four years of intellectual exploration and sophisticated discussion and I had a Regional Manager for an accessories store calling me once a week and correcting me on how to answer the phone. I remember standing behind the cash register, leaning on the counter and looking out over the cases and thinking, "This may have been a mistake".

So Long, Abaete

2010-05-18T18:17:00.002-05:00

Yet another wonderful contemporary line (that is also, weirdly, focused on pretty, feminine pieces) has closed up shop. The most recent casualty: Abaete, the super fun line from Laura Poretzsky. The label was responsible for some pretty iconic looks for the younger style-makers, and I'm, of course, sad to see it close down. Apparently, production stopped in the fall but the news is just now making headlines. Abaete was always a lovely runway show to watch, and on clearance the dresses were almost within reach. Sigh, another small label is lost to a miserable economy.
(photo via style.com)

Finally Spring

2010-05-15T11:23:00.002-05:00

After a week of too hot and humid weather and then a miserable cold and wet week, New York finally has spring weather. It makes me want to dress like this.

(photo via garance dore)

Cruise Control at Chanel

2010-05-14T11:39:00.005-05:00

Last week Karl Lagerfeld presented the Chanel Resort 2011 collection in St. Tropez, which is basically the most ideal place to stage a breezy and beautiful barefoot runway show. The collection looked, at times, straight out of the seventies. And the first look was one of the most gorgeous caftans I have ever seen.

Even more notable than the great clothes was Lagerfeld's casting of plus size model Crystal Renn. It's nice to see something above a size 2 in Chanel, but then only makes me more angry that I'll never actually own any. Here she is below--stunning.

Opposites Attract?

2010-05-11T18:36:00.004-05:00

When someone says 'Erin Fetherston' I immediately think of ethereal dresses and fashion forward pieces with a great sense of print and color. When someone says 'Juicy Couture' I think of the candy-colored, unflattering velour track suits on every un-stylish sorority girl in college. Rarely do the two terms show up in the same sentence.

And yet, Erin Fetherston is the new Creative Consultant for California-based Juicy Couture. I love this woman and blindly trust most of her aesthetic choices, so I'm actually looking forward to her first venture for the label, holiday dresses.

It will be interesting to see how the woman who does this:
will consult for the company responsible for this:

People, seriously, let's make velour tracksuits a thing of the past.

(images via style.com and bloomingdales)

Nice Rack

2010-05-11T18:23:00.005-05:00

Nordstrom has finally set foot in New York, only not in the way they had originally planned. For months now Manhattan has been eagerly awaiting the opening of Nordstrom Rack in the old Virgin Megastore space. In the scheme of department store outlets, the Rack ranks pretty low to me (number one is CLEARLY Neiman Marcus Last Call, followed by Saks Off Fifth, then Nordies). I was skeptical about this new Union Square store.
But then, this morning, the folks at Racked NY and Time Out NY went and discovered a whole treasure trove of designer finds--something I wasn't expecting at all! Apparently the inventory is heavy on Mike & Chris, Rebecca Minkoff, Nanette Lepore and more. I normally avoid Union Square, but I may have to head down there for this.

(image via)

Best of the Met Ball

2010-05-09T15:18:00.006-05:00

This year's theme for the Met Ball was one I find truly inspiring: American Style. Being a longtime lover of American Sportswear and American designers, I was thrilled to click through the red carpet looks. While not everyone stunned (sadly, some favorites of mine including Tina Fey, Christina Hendricks and Liv Tyler and Stella McCartney), there were so many phenomenal looks.

Few things are as American right now as luxury labels and reality tv. In a fantastic take on both, here is Nicole Richie in Marc Jacobs. Long moved on from The Simple Life (where she was a hilariously irreverent sidekick to the dull and empty Paris Hilton), Nicole Richie has really emerged as an amazing style icon and even more talented designer. This sparkly and slinky Marc Jacobs gown is perfect for her. And by her, I mean me.

Blake Lively got a lot of flack for this Marchesa mini, and I don't quite understand why. The color couldn't be more perfect for her. And while it's not a simple dress, she can handle it. You only get a few good years with a body like that, why not go to town with it? And how can I get those shoes without going into massive debt or being arrested for robbery??

I know, more sequins. Look, I know that a gold top and harem pants aren't very 'gala', but when you look like Chanel Iman, who cares. Weirdly, she looks more appropriate for this event than some of the other be-gowned attendees. Let's face it, in a sequined Michael Kors get-up (with his ridiculously sexy strappy sandals) is kind of American as it gets. Jealous.

There is probably nothing more quintessentially American than Calvin Klein. Here is Francisco Costa with two women in the label who absolutely nail it every time they walk the red carpet, Zoe Saldana and Diane Kruger. The house may not have created but certainly has perfect sleek minimalism, a trademark of Calvin Klein to this day. Sadly you have to be on the lean side to wear these looks (especially a long-sleeved, high-neck, body skimming white gown), but who better than these two? U.S.A! U.S.A!

(photos from the American style home of style.com)

Perfect Polish

2010-05-09T15:08:00.002-05:00

I am not at all surprised that nail polish has replaced lipstick as the cheap cosmetic that women purchase during trying economic times. It's clearly having a moment. Refinery29.com posted a slideshow of the 10 hot colors for spring. My favorite is the gold color from Nars called Versaille. I'll be buying a cheaper version.

Dress Craving

2010-05-08T09:36:00.002-05:00

RackedNY posted this picture of the window at the Prada store (I'm assuming on the Upper East Side considering the source was Madison Avenue Spy and the layout doesn't quite look like the SoHo flagship). I've never wanted to buy dresses so bad in my life. Quick, someone give me $700 and a reason to look like a grown up lady!

So long, Lyell

2010-05-08T09:19:00.004-05:00

I have absolutely loved the label Lyell since discovering it several years ago. The feminine cuts and delicate fabric always came across as beautiful and sophisticated. The boutique in Nolita was always so inspiring to shop in. Sadly, I never purchased a piece from any of the collections (blame the low salaries of the publishing world), and now I might not get the chance. Lyell is closing down.

From the website:

So after seven years and with a lease that is running out,
I have decided to say goodbye for now. Lyell is my heart and soul. I couldn't have come as far as I have come with out all the loyal support that I've received over the years. However, it is time now to take break.

As of today we are starting our closeout sale with all styles now 40-60% off. This includes new styles that have just arrived and even more coming over the next couple weeks. The sale will continue until we run out of stock over the next month.

Love
Emma

I was distraught over the loss of Mayle last year, and now Lyell? This is not a great economy for small labels, but hopefully they will both, one day, make a comeback. Until then, ebay.

(photo via ontheinside)

Online Addictions

2010-04-26T21:08:00.008-05:00

It's always strange to think that at this point in the world there are still businesses without e-commerce components. Sometimes, that's the appeal of the retailer itself. Carefully selected items in a flawless and thoughtful presentation is quite a shopping experience, and many boutiques pride themselves on that fact.

Well RackedNY cites that two stores have recently launched online stores, Stuart & Wright and Inven.tory. Some exciting items to buy online:
Rachel Comey Sailor Dress in blue check at Stuart & Wright ($468). Sure, Rachel Comey isn't too difficult to come by these days, but finding those perfect pieces is still such a rush. I absolutely love this dress (but, as usual, hate the pricetag). It would be so perfect with flat sandals all summer or over some thick knit tights with a big slouchy cardigan and boots when the weather cools down.

NDC Jessie Castell Sandal at Stuart & Wright ($240). Perfect summer sandals. The site carries several styles from NDC, these are by far the best blend of style and color.

Aces High Tortoise Frames by Initium Eyewear from Inven.tory ($216). As a glasses wearer I am constantly looking for new frames and I loved everything on the Inven.tory site from Initium. I'm a big fan of plastic frames but don't always want the heaviness of black, so the tortoise is perfect.

The Abigail Shirt by BB Dakota at Inven.tory ($78). While I'm really not happy with the styling/model choice for this photo, I very much enjoy the shirt and its two digit price. A sheer tuxedo shirt is a good thing to have, it can be sleek worn under a blazer or cardigan with some skinny, ankle length pants or a little sexier worn on it's own tucked into a slim skirt. Either way, a much safer online purchase than a $500 mini-dress (unfortunately).

So these boutique sites aren't going to replace the black hole of time and money that is yoox.com or the anxiety inducing Gilt Groupe, but it's still nice to have them here in cyberspace.

New to J. Crew

2010-04-16T21:42:00.006-05:00

Jenna Lyons has been re-vamping J. Crew for quite some time now. While she won't be featuring Chanel in the store anytime soon there are some great new items on the site. I'm holding out for another extra percentage off the clearance, but these images will tide me over for a bit.

Rose trellis Taryn Gown, $425
I have come to terms with the fact that I'll never look good in a maxi dress. I get it, I have hips, I'm not tall, it doesn't work. It does not mean, however, that I won't covet long dresses like the one above. It's floor length, printed chiffon and I couldn't be more jealous of tall thin people who can wear this.

Chambray Schoolboy Blazer, $158
Chambray is amazing, despite having the worst name of a fabric perhaps in history. I love the idea of using it for a blazer that you can throw on with a dress or cute shorts, like above. I always struggle with my chambray shirts (because, obviously, you can't wear them with jeans). Need it.

Fenton/Fallon for J.Crew Carrington tassel necklace, $125
In a genius move J.Crew teamed up with jewelers Fenton/Fallon for a capsule collection. Most of the necklaces are bolder than the one above, but I love the simplicity. It's not overwhelming but still has interest in the mixed metals in the tassel.

Pom-pom scarf, $65
I'm into spring scarves this year, and this one is super cute. I love the little pom-poms and the muted colors. This better go on sale.

Cool Collaborations

2010-03-21T10:29:00.003-05:00

Kiehl's products are easily identified by the spare and simple packaging. The vintage apothecary feel of the text heavy bottles of lotions and creams are probably part of why the company is so popular (also because they make amazing products). Right now, Kiehl's has partnered with four celebrities and artists to design special packaging for their Limited Edition Acai Damage-Protecting Toning Mist. The colorful labels are from Julianne Moore, Pharell Williams, Jeff Koons or Malia Jones. My favorite is Julianne Moore's:
Proceeds from these products benefit the Rainforest Alliance, so really, everyone wins.

(photo courtesy of Kiehl's)

Dreaming of Dries

2010-03-06T10:49:00.009-05:00

Every season I wait around for that perfect show that has everything I want in a collection and isn't too schizophrenic. It's hard to find a designer that can perfectly blend slouchy casual wear, great blazers, bold prints, layering, leopard, pencil skirts and sunglasses. Those things do not necessarily work together, but at the autumn/winter 2010 collection for Dries Van Noten, they do.
Chic blazers have changed in the past few seasons from cropped and shrunken to a more slouchy, masculine cut and I think it's brilliant. You don't see that many camel blazers for women, and pairing it with navy pants is great. I actually adore this entire look, though a clutch that unwieldy is wildly impractical (but so awesome looking).
Trenchcoats are one of my absolute favorite items of clothing, and thus, I love almost anything inspired by them. This look is all around perfect. It's what I imagine I would wear to the February shows in Paris or Milan were I someone that attended fashion shows in person rather than sitting at my computer with a Diet Coke and pita chips clicking through someone's photos.
Fantastic print dress.
Sweet Jesus this is amazing. The idea of mixing prints and patterns is a dream of many girls, though sadly difficult to execute. The abstract watercolor of the skirt and the neutrals of the top and jacket and then the bold leopard print scarf combine perfectly. This makes me want to buy a leopard scarf.
This look kind of ups the ante from the previous and just floors me. The skirt is no longer a subdued blue/purple/brown but now a bold acid green print. The pop of leopard in a scarf is now a full-fledged jacket. I can't say enough good things about this outfit. It's chic and put together but not too buttoned up or pretentious--just like the whole Dries show, so far my favorite in Paris.

(photos courtesy of style.com)

Barneys Japan + Agnyess

2010-03-01T23:42:00.004-05:00

Collaborations have ruled the fashion world so far in the twenty-first century. Lots of luxury designers have gotten into the mass market game by partnering up with mall retailers. Proenza Schouler and John Galliano went with Target, Karl Lagerfeld and Viktor & Rolf took on H&M and Jil Sander and Alexander Wang made a home at Uniqlo.

Well now a luxury retailer is getting in on the game, and it's who else but Barneys in Japan.
But rather than attach itself to a designer, the store is teaming up with model of the decade, Agnyess Deyn. (Which makes perfect sense since a department store isn't exactly going to hop in bed with just one designer, seems like a conflict of interest. A model on the other hand--much more diplomatic).
She has always been noticed not only for booking the biggest of big shows and campaigns (ahem, Burberry, Anna Sui, Carolina Herrera to name a few) but also a now iconic personal style. Deyn designed a collection of contemporary pieces like leggings and scarves that will retail between $200-$400. I'm all for putting her name on clothes, she wears the hell out of them, but this woman needs to be marketing hair dye.

(images courtesy of boston.com and style.com)

New York Strays

2010-02-25T19:04:00.008-05:00

Here are the leftovers from NYFW Autumn/Winter 2010. European shows to come (so late, I know).

Helmut Lang
My love for Helmut Lang goes deep (very deep since finding the blazer I've been waiting for on a ridiculous clearance at my Loehmann's). The fall/winter collection was stunning. You can't go wrong with layered black or modern, abstract prints.

Chris Benz
Every season Chris Benz finds inventive ways to bring color into the fashion world (something particularly tricky with autumn/winter since so many designers favor neutrals and darker palettes). This season was inspired by "those bad girls I knew in high school," according to Benz. "The ones who got sent away to wilderness camp. This is what I imagine them wearing." Most of the bad girls I knew in high school were dressed like tiny prostitutes or just like adolescent boys, so while I'm not entirely familiar with where Mr. Benz is coming from, I appreciate his vision all the same. The disco-suited fabrics with relatively simple silhouettes look like perfect, seasonless dresses.

VPL
Over the last few years I've really grown to love Victoria Bartlett's unashamed underwear as outerwear aesthetic, even if it started to seem a little one-note. And then came the autumn/winter 2010 show. She still imbues her lingerie look into the clothes, but there is something more rich, even sumptuous, about these pieces. I love the bold layering and color choices of the top look. Absolutely a success.

(photos courtesy of style.com)

PS and MJ

2010-02-22T19:21:00.011-05:00

Proenza Schouler and Marc Jacobs are typically the most buzzed about runway shows in New York (and with good reason). Both lines are edgy, rich, and a little younger in spirit than some of the other staples (think Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera, Donna Karan). This season both hit it out of the park.

Marc Jacobs
The newly married (and absurdly lucky) king of New York fashion presented what critics are calling one of his best shows in years. Playing on some of his great successes of the past 20 years, Jacobs sent everything from full skirts and coats to enormous furs to sheer nightgown-like wisps of dresses to liquid-like sparkly gowns down the runway.
I know it's not particularly politically correct, but I absolutely LOVE the fur trends on the runway for 2010. Whatever, I don't care, it's awesome.

Marc Jacobs is truly at his best when he creates super wearable looks. While a cropped fur jacket isn't necessarily the most wearable piece in the world, in the context of this look it absolutely makes sense. Love the mixed media grey tones, too.

Except for the fact that I would look like a grizzly bear with that volume of fur around my chest/neck/face I totally need that shrug. And opera length black leather gloves with an eyelet-like, girly dress? Genius.

Want.

Proenza Schouler
No one did young, edgy sportswear like Jack and Lazaro this season. In a season dominated by solids, the Proenza Schouler show was all about prints. They even took the common trend of fur and upped the ante by dying it (excuse me? teal blue fur collars? I will trade what's left of my soul for one of those. I say 'what's left' because I think I already promised a good chunk of it to the devil in exchange for the Michael Kors collection snakeskin pumps I bought last year).

Normally I LOATHE neckties on women (except for Diane Keaton), but I totally love this look. There's something about sheer long sleeves that seems really fresh.

GET ME THAT FUR.

I haven't seen such an amazing print in a long time. I am absolutely enamored with the blue and black and the black and white (cream?) in this show. So perfect with the slightly sheer black tights. Since I will probably never have enough money to purchase anything from this line I might have to settle for this Maria Luisa Paris (loooove that store) black and blue print skirt at yoox.com.

AMAZORS.

I know that Tim Gunn would say 'That is a lot of look' and I do honestly agree with him. The high-waisted printed pants, printed cropped jacket and severe black and white shoes are a bit too much for the average woman walking around (especially if she isn't living in New York). But you know what, who cares? This is just plain fantastic.

(photos courtesy of style.com)

Ohhhh Oscar

2010-02-22T19:11:00.008-05:00

I love New York Fashion week when the season is Autumn/Winter. There is something so chic but cozy about American sportswear for colder climates. It's been done well in this final year of Bryant Park and there have been some outstanding shows. One such presentation was--no surprise--Oscar de la Renta. He's a legend, of course, and I'll probably never stop lusting after his Fall/Winter 2008 collection. This season was at once luxe, elegant, exciting and relevant--all good things for a designer.

It is really difficult to make a shirtdress in a military green and have it not look like the office uniform of someone in the armed services. I'd wear this anywhere (though probably with a few buttons undone at the neck since we all can't be built like lithe ballerinas). Also, the sparkly tights are pure genius. They could have easily ruined the show but I actually enjoy them with all of the looks.

Sweet Jesus that is an incredible coat/dress (I'm unclear of which it is and frankly couldn't care less).

Oh look, it's another perfect dress with what looks like one fantastic pair of shoes.

Oscar de la Renta does uptown chic very well with his exquisite tailoring, liberal use of fur and gold and his embrace of bold colors. And while those pieces are great, his eveningwear is truly spectacular. Anytime someone belts a sparkly gown I cannot ignore it.

(photos courtesy of, as always, style.com)

Fashion Week: American Sportswear

2010-02-17T19:56:00.007-05:00

Here are two labels that NAILED American Sportswear for fall/winter 2010: Michael Kors and Erin Fetherston.

Michael Kors
I want EVERYTHING Michael Kors designed for this season. I love the classic cuts, the deep v-necks, the insane abundance of fur, and every single pair of shoes (I have been lucky enough to track down three pairs of Michael Kors collection heels at discount stores and they are hands down the best shoes I've ever worn). The color palette and reliance on separates is classic Michael Kors, but the slouchy knitwear and sheer or low-cut blouses are young and kind of refreshing for the reigning king of sportswear.

Erin Fetherston
Erin Fetherston is practically the opposite of Michael Kors. Her looks are young and she focuses on whimsical dresses and modern touches. Every season I see at least one long dress that belongs on a red carpet (obviously the fourth look would be ideal on a long and lean blond starlet). This collection was decidedly more grown up and polished, in my opinion. I loved the black belted coat and the use of sheer sleeves on otherwise very demure and almost conservative dresses. My favorite aspect, however, is the bird print used on the first dress. She did it in black as well and I am not sure I can go on living without both.

(photos courtesy of style.com)

Even More Fashion Week

2010-02-14T11:58:00.011-05:00

Peter Som
Saying that I like Peter Som is the understatement of the century. I adore his line. The colors for fall/winter 2010 are spectacular. While an ankle length, army green tulle skirt isn't the most wearable item in the world, it's a great show piece. I'm also digging the coat.

United Bamboo
The United Bamboo show usually floats under the radar for a lot of people, but I have recently become obsessed with the label (and not just because they made the best calendar ever). This collection had a pretty overt Amelia Earhart influence, which I think really worked. Accessories can sometimes be distracting, but the leather gloves nicely tied the looks together without taking too much attention away from the clothes. At times the use of gloves borders on the Hitchcock woman, a style I can always get behind. This season's United Bamboo collection was beautiful and wearable--such a success.

ADAM
Adam Lippes designed a collection of super chic and wearable pieces. While that may not be novel for the label, the sophistication certainly is. Normally ADAM is chock full of youthful, short dresses and colorful, silky tops. This collection featured elegant layers, older silhouettes and dresses that still had plenty of edge. Hopefully he'll continue to push into this aesthetic. I'm already interested in spring/summer 2011.

Diane von Furstenberg
Diane can do no wrong. The woman took a basic wardrobe staple (the wrap dress, that she made famous) and has expanded into everything from sunglasses to handbags to home accents. The heavy menswear influence could have been a disaster considering how overly feminine her shows usually are, but it worked out flawlessly.
The layering was classic DVF Fall/Winter and the prints were, as expected, spot on. I loved how she embraced neutrals but still had looks with bold colors. Critics loved the play of hard and soft looks--and I completely agree. I'm excited for a year or so from now when I can find this stuff on clearance at yoox.com or the Barney's Warehouse sale.

Missing McQueen

2010-02-14T11:25:00.003-05:00

Last week, on the eve of NY Fashion Week, news rocked the industry as well as the rest of the world with the death of Alexander McQueen. A legend at the young age of 40, McQueen changed the way a lot of people thought about fashion. Runway shows reduced fashion writers to tears. His bridge and collaboration lines blew out of stores at alarming rates. He has defined 'spectacle' in twenty-first century fashion. He will be missed more than we can even comprehend now as it is nearly impossible to imagine the fashion world without his genius.

A retrospective courtesy of New York Magazine.

Still More Fashion Week

2010-02-13T22:58:00.006-05:00

Are you tired yet? Too bad.

Rachel Comey
Where do you even start with Rachel Comey? I scour the clearance sections of a dozen websites for the lone reason of finding one of her pieces at a somewhat reasonable price. Though i wasn't wholly enamored with her Spring/Summer 2010 collection, I loved what she sees for fall. I could wear each of these looks and more importantly I would wear each of these looks.

Jenni Kayne
No one, absolutely no one, does downtown cool like Jenni Kayne. There hasn't been a season in the past several years that I haven't ogling over her show thinking, "Ugh, if only I were chic enough to wear her clothes" and then returned to putting on jeans and tshirts and spending three hours on style.com". This season was heavy on pants for her, and I'm perfectly okay with it. I may not necessarily choose rolled up shorts for winter, but I'll buy what she's selling (not literally, I'm not a millionaire). Also, GET ME THOSE SHOES.

Costello Tagliapietra
The duo at Costello Tagliapietra cited traditional Japanese dress and early Comme des Garcon and Yohji Yamamoto as inspiration for their fall/winter collection. I absolutely see evidence of draping and fabrication from the 1980s avant garde designers, but thankfully there is the standard Costello Tagliapietra look. The draping creates a bit of a retro femininity that reminds me (in a VERY good way) of Dynasty. And who wouldn't like to dress more like that?

Stay tuned for Helmut Lang, United Bamboo, Charlotte Ronson and more (after I sleep for a very long time).

More Fashion Week

2010-02-13T21:07:00.008-05:00

And the shows go on...

Yigal Azrouel
Yigal Azrouel consistently delivers cool menswear and womenswear (which style.com notes can easily influence each other when designed together). While the rest of the collection is slim pants and slouchier jackets, this sleek cocktail dress might be my favorite look.
Wearable clothes continued to be a runway trend this season, something easier to do for fall/winter. The looks above may appear all over the map (chunky knitwear, embellished chiffon tops and modern sportswear), yet the collection was fairly cohesive and focused on Azrouel's strengths.

Jeremy Laing
I fell in love with Jeremy Laing's line several years ago when he featured neons and neutrals through colorblocked, architectural pieces. I thought, "This man understands how to use solid colors" and forever linked him with that look. For fall 2010 he has blown me away with the use of prints and cool separates. I wouldn't be surprised if this signature print showed up everywhere next season.

Jason Wu
Speaking of chic separates, Jason Wu continued to expand his brand beyond just gowns for Mrs. Obama. Not everything was amazing but there were looks that absolutely floored me (they're the ones above, enjoy).

(photos courtesy of style.com)

It begins!

2010-02-11T21:49:00.007-05:00

NY Fashion Week has begun! For the final season at the hallowed tents of Bryant Park there has already been much news, and it's only the end of day one. Blizzards and tragedies have altered the schedule (more on that later) but the presentations have started and the shows will inevitably go on. Here are some highlights from the first day of Fall 2010.

Vena Cava
My favorite Brooklyn design duo, Vena Cava, is always really young and fresh. The red lipstick and fishnets aged the collection a bit, but I still loved practically every look. First off, the fur stole--absolutely brilliant. Sure it isn't new or unexpected for fall/winter but when mixed with a parka and high waisted shorts, its nothing short of perfect. I need one. And while we're discussing 'needs', I normally balk at the idea of layering a dress over a longsleeve tshirt or turtleneck because it's cold. Wear a cardigan or a jacket or, god forbid, a dress with sleeves. I found the layering at Vena Cava, however, to be chic, and while not necessarily my cup of tea, I see how it could work.

Shipley and Halmos
I can't say enough how much I love the laid back, California-cool style of Trovata and now Shipley & Halmos. While the spring/summer looks from S&H are usually younger and fit nicely into life on the west coast, the fall/winter looks are my favorite (probably because they're for weather that exists outside of Southern California). This collection was heavy on voluminous pants, mini skirts and chunky sweaters--ideal for New York living. Also, it just isn't a collection without a shrunken leather jacket over a silk dress. That's just how the cookie crumbles these days.

BCBG
BCBG is an interesting fashion show to look at mostly because of the dual nature of the name. On one side, the Max Azria runway show is a cohesive, extensive collection of more fashion forward looks. On the other side, BCBG has a large presence in almost every department store and is largely made up of work separates and silk jersey printed dresses for around $150. I tend to really like the runway shows, and I particularly liked this season's geometric color-blocking and the use of neutrals. I can only hope that these styles will end up at Bloomingdale's, and then eventually the Upper Westside Loehmann's.

More to come, rain or snow!

Failures of Fashion

2010-02-10T10:54:00.002-05:00

Sometimes in the world of fashion and shopping you come across something so laughable and ridiculous that you can't believe it exists. And then you look at the price tag and it's even more insane. Take for example this Alexander Wang 'sweater':

Enter the amazing blog Failures of Fashion. It charts the ugly and expensive of the fashion world. Enjoy.

Alexis Times Two

2010-02-04T21:45:00.005-05:00

The Moment (T Magazine's blog) posted that the latest Alexis Bittar campaign will feature Joan Collins in her legendary Dynasty character Alexis Carrington.
Absolutely, 100% brilliant.

I love Alexis Bittar's jewelry. And I REALLY love Joan Collins, particularly decked out in Alexis Carrington attire. Hailed as the 'original cougar' and known for over the top glamour, Collins is the perfect fit for the modern yet opulent costume jewelry. Both are heavy on animal prints and jeweltones--ideal for accessories and actresses.

This genius pairing makes me think that perhaps there are other celebrities and fashion campaigns to be matched up:

Chris Benz and Tiffani Amber Thiessen as Kelly Kapowski on Saved by the Bell
Chris Benz is hip and fresh and all about bold colors and a 1990s inspiration, so who better to represent the line than Kelly Kapowski herself (Tiffani Amber Thiessen in character, of course)?

Other ideas:
-Michelle Pfieffer as Elvira in Scarface for Issa London's slinky silk dresses.
-Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green on Friends for Theory.

So long, Bryant Park

2010-02-04T21:35:00.003-05:00

This is a momentous year for Fashion Week. It's the final season of fashion shows at Bryant Park before the whole week packs up and heads to Lincoln Center.

Setting the tents behind the majestic New York Public Library smack dab in the middle of Manhattan seems like a pretty strategic move, and a good one. The tents aren't terribly far from the garment center and are a reasonable distance from the Chelsea and Meatpacking district venues like Milk Studios.

Changes are afoot, but for now, everything is staying right where it belongs, at 42nd street.

Hits from Paris Couture

2010-01-29T21:35:00.010-05:00

The couture shows in Paris always deliver a few different things: meticulous attention to detail, some red carpet glamour and occasional avant-garde designs. This season's couture shows were no different.

Armani Prive
Armani Prive did exactly as expected. There are some structured suits, some cocktail length dresses, a handful of evening gowns and a lot of sparkles. Most looks were champagne or pastels with a few scattered black or deep metallic cobalt blue. This isn't groundbreaking design necessarily, but it doesn't have to be. Right now, Armani Prive is known for drop dead gorgeous red carpet looks, and this season offers plenty of gowns for the Hollywood set.

Jean Paul Gaultier
Few designers have the creativity and innovation (an balls) that John Paul Gaultier has. This collection was clearly influenced by all things south of the border. Exotic looks inspired by Mexico and its culture ranged from pieces derived from everything from the people to the nature of the country.
This look was shown on many sites as THE iconic look for the collection. The summation of the collection. The defining dress of Gaultier's presentation. I don't think it should be the first image of the collection or any kind of a symbol of it. I love the colors, the detail is incredible and it looks like what you think of with the word 'couture'. It does not, however, sum up the collection.

Chanel
Chanel, like Armani, was familiar territory. It started with classic, tweedy suits with the modern twists of full shorts and lots of sequins. Things really picked up in the second third of the show where Lagerfeld presented white satins with an almost liquid quality covered with silver beading. The show closed out with what almost could be wedding dresses on steroids. All gorgeous.

Givenchy
Riccardo Tisci continues to shine as brightly as his recent Givenchy collection. Sequins and bold colors decked out these body conscious silhouettes. The rest was gorgeous tailoring and and brilliant black pieces, two of Tisci's better skills.

Chistian Dior
One part 1980s socialites, one part Mommie Dearest and a dash of Dita Von Teese topped off with John Galliano's over the top drama--that is the Christian Dior couture collection. The colors are fantastic, it's heavy on textures like smooth satin and heavy beading. I'm totally into the idea of opera length leather gloves. And dear God, get me those shoes.

Most of the couture collections fell in line with what you expect of these houses in ready-to-wear, and why not? Couture is about craftsmanship and detail, not over the top statements and envelope pushing. I'm satisfied and looking forward to the shows next month.

(photos from style.com)

Sitting Pretty

2010-01-22T22:10:00.005-05:00

Designers these days are all about branching out into other business endeavors. Fragrances, mens/womenswear, restaurants. The new, chic thing to do, apparently, is home decor. The latest designers to jump into the furniture world are Diane von Furstenberg and James Perse.
These representative looks of the two brands (top DVF, bottom James Perse) are stand ins for the furniture at this point. While Diane's collection will be focused mostly on kitchen and bath accessories and home accents, James Perse's line will be comfortable and functional couches and furniture, just like his cool-casual t-shirts.

Other designers have found great success in the home decor industry. Missoni prints easily translate to covetable linens and colorful accessories. Armani Casa's sleek minimalism certainly has a consumer base. Maybe there will be more expansions afoot is DVF and James Perse are successful as well. Maybe home accents from Vena Cava or modular furniture from Helmut Lang (ideally).

Groupthink/dress

2010-01-22T16:04:00.003-05:00

Ivygate and Jezebel have tracked down an email from the Cornell chapter of the sorority Pi Phi that outlines some pretty strict and arbitrary regulations about what to wear (and not wear) for the first rounds of rush (I can't believe this is my alma mater). Rather than say 'cocktail attire' or 'smart casual' the email goes into extreme detail with Dos and Don'ts.

Some highlights:
-"Denim-legging" is appropriate as long as it's done right: aka, not from American Apparel and worn with chic, cool chunky boots over them and a longer top. NO camel toe.
Let's face it, if you're pledging a sorority that recommends jeggings (yes, jeans + leggings = jeggings) perhaps you've made a few wrong turns in life.
-No: leggings worn as pants
Apparently it is only okay if they are denim.
-No: Sleeveless shirts
It's Ithaca in January, this isn't a sartorial mis-step, it's a safety one.
-If you're wearing cheapo shoes, make sure they don't look it
Well this is just good sense.

Most people are making obvious connections to the plastics from Mean Girls joking "Wednesdays we wear pink!" or my favorite line from that film "Because that vest was disgusting". Frankly, I don't see it as a huge deal. This is a voluntary organization. The girls receiving this email are choosing to be a part if this group. If they're still eager to pledge a house that tells them what to wear down to shoe color, then they probably need a lot more life instruction than wardrobe dos and don'ts.

Fashion Friends

2010-01-22T12:37:00.003-05:00

If you love Revolve Clothing so much, then become a fan of them on Facebook. Sure, Revolve benefits from getting the name out there more (I guess, though to me fan pages don't seem super effective in terms of getting customers). The real winner in this is you, because for becoming a fan you get a coupon code for 20% off an online order. My suggestion: hold off and use it on sale merchandise and get clothes for extra cheap.

Here's a Theory

2010-01-21T18:58:00.003-05:00

I have a question: Is anyone buying Theory at full retail price anymore? My daily barrage of shopping related emails contained one from Revolve that noted they had 'New styles from Theory!' pretty enthusiastically, and sure enough, the website prominently features the brand.

I've always been a huge fan of Theory clothing--great suits, perfect slim tanks--but the price point has gotten absurd. A full suit (meaning only a blazer and pants) is close to $1000 at this point. If you want a special piece, like a silk dress or a leather jacket, you're looking at anywhere from $300 to $900. For basic contemporary apparel that's pretty pricey.

The real puzzling thing though is that easily 1/4 of my local Loehmann's is Theory merchandise. Their AMAZING Bram Stay tanks are usually like $24 (instead of $66), various styles of pants are around $79 and blazers are around $140. And that's all before any sales and discounts. The styles don't change all that much from season to season. Outside of basic pieces and suiting, the trendier pieces can usually be found from other designers for less, so unless you are a die-hard Theory fan, you can do better.

(Photo courtesy of Shopbop)

Bloomie's Outlet

2010-01-21T16:17:00.005-05:00

Just like Saks, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's is now opening outlet department stores. News began breaking about this retail endeavor last week and now is confirmed for not just New York, but other east coast locations.

I love Bloomingdale's (even considering my brief and miserable employment at the abbreviated SoHo store) but I'm not sure that it will work as an outlet. Like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's exists in a very weird in between area on the gamut of department stores. It's certainly not a luxury store Saks or Barneys or Neiman Marcus but it's much nicer and carries much more sophisticated merchandise than Macy's. What I love about Bloomie's is showing up to the store and finding outrageous sale prices on contemporary apparel and shoes or shopping their unparalleled beauty department (the avenue). If merchandise is getting sent off to outlet stores then there's a chance it won't see the 'extra 50% off clearance' rack. Also, cosmetics and outlet stores don't really mix.

I believe that stores like Saks and Neiman Marcus have been successful as outlets because their merchandise is outlandishly expensive to begin. Shoppers that want those items are less concerned with what season they are (it's true, when I found my Marc Jacobs collection chiffon skirt for $60 at NM Last Cal I couldn't care less that it was easily two seasons old). Contemporary apparel, however, is available for cheap in a lot more places than designer. Online sample sales like Gilt, Ideeli and RueLaLa and online stores like Revolve Clothing have great discounts on the same merchandise that Bloomingdale's sells.

A large part of what Bloomie's offers is in house labels and more affordable lines like BCBG and Free People. These items don't seem all that desirable in giant outlet stores (they're barely that desirable when well merchandised in a Manhattan department store though). I would hate to see the Bloomingdale's end up like a TJ MAXX.

Now, that shoe department, well that just might work as an outlet.

Zac Attack at Target! (The Images)

2010-01-15T10:48:00.003-05:00

The first images of the Zac Posen for Target capsule line have hit the internet! Target's designer collaborations make me miss living in suburbia (though then I would have things like the Steven Alan sample sale). Zac is at the top of the American sportswear game. The looks for his collaboration with the big box retailer are a bit more youthful than his runway collections, but that makes sense considering the shoppers.
Prices are low (the long dress pictured is $69.99 and one of the more expensive items) and it's definitely a spring/summer collection.

See more at Fashionista.

Told you so

2010-01-14T16:33:00.003-05:00

I am apparently not alone in my love of black and blue. Julia Roitfeld (yes, the stunning and stylish daughter of Vogue Paris editor Carine) is a love of the color combo as well. Sure, the standard is that you cannot mix black and navy blue. The mixture can be tough in reality, and i think the trick to pairing them well is using the right fabrics and the right shade of blue. Marine blues are certainly easier to match with black than very dark navys.

See her video extolling the mix of black and blue here.

(Picture from Popsugar, link courtesy of Fashionista, originally)

Disappointing

2010-01-12T18:45:00.002-05:00

Don't those fancy chocolate bars look delicious? They are probably elegant flavors like rose and mint and the chocolate is probably rich and dark. Kidding! Like most things in the fashion industry these chocolate bars have no fat or calories, because nice clothes require impossibly thin frames. Fashion Week Daily points out that these deceiving 'chocolate bars' are actually t-shirts by Issey Miyake available at Opening Ceremony (collaboration sluts?).

Excuse me?

2010-01-05T21:28:00.002-05:00

Um, last time I checked J. Crew sold sensible slacks and boyfriend t-shirts. Well, actually, that's what they sold originally. More recently though I've adjusted to knowing J.Crew is my go-to for fancy cardigans and costume jewelry (both on clearance, obviously). Now, apparently, J. Crew is where you can buy $995 hand-cut flurried organza dresses. Not only is this absurd for an American sportswear catalog but this style is about a year or so late. If this isn't to your taste, perhaps the size enhancing $2200 organza gown is more to your preference.

Spring Burberry Blooms

2010-01-05T20:45:00.005-05:00

Weirdly, this afternoon I was admiring the Burberry ads where Emma Watson debuted as a fashion model last season and found out later this afternoon that the Spring 2010 Burberry campaign is out and still features the unnecessarily lucky Ms. Watson (really--this girl isn't even able to drink in the US and has multimillion dollar movie franchise, is obscenely pretty and is Christopher Bailey's muse). Not surprisingly, it's a fantastic campaign.
Aside from Mario Testino's unparalleled photographic talents and the undeniable beauty of the campaign's star, I find the styling to be quite wonderful. Rather than just showcase the obvious trenches or the ubiquitous check pattern there is a nice mix of runway looks and more sellable pieces.
While the focus of the first picture is the gathered chiffon dress, the second photo showcases the patterns and colors that have made the house iconic. Of the 14 images available most do show a classic trench or a Burberry check accessory (or both) but there are some glimpses of the body hugging dresses and skirts from the runway show.

(photos courtesy of The Cut)

Linkzies

2009-12-23T18:58:00.004-05:00

Almost every website, fashion or otherwise, is packed with year end lists at this point. The best sample sales of the year, favorite fashion spreads of the decade, etc. Here's a round-up of the best lists, pre-holiday articles and all around information and fashion anything from the last week or so. Read and enjoy. Have a wonderful holiday!

Terry Richardson's plus size model editorial for V

A Cup of Jo found an amazing seagull tote

Biggest retail trends of the decade from Racked

Holiday window displays around New York

Say good-bye to Phi (unfortunately)

Summery looks from Sunshine and Shadow

Ten years of Olsen fashion influence

Pre-Fall or Holiday?

2009-12-15T20:14:00.004-05:00

I'm constantly impressed with Vera Wang's ready-to-wear collections. Certainly the woman whose name is 90% of the time associated with long sighs from brides-to-be has incredible design skills. Being the queen of weddings hasn't stopped her from putting on impossibly chic runway shows and presentations for her eponymous collection as well as her contemporary line, Vera Wang Lavender Label.

Her Pre-Fall 2010 looks fall right in line with her record of sleek layering and using black and jewel-tones. However, the timing is odd because when I look through the photos the first thing I think is 'wow, these would be fantastic cocktail dresses for holiday parties' (second thing, actually. the first was 'is this a sequined love letter to Rodarte?'). Too bad none of these looks will be available until next year.

Still Pre-Fall

2009-12-11T15:56:00.009-05:00

When will it end?

Devi Kroell
The luxury accessories designer has had a big year, namely in the form of her brand new, hot pink Madison Avenue boutique. Though we're used to her beautiful snakeskin bags and shoes, the designer has created some gorgeous pre-fall looks for 2010.
Most of the collections for this mini-season have been work wear and separates. This is one of a handful of pre-fall 2010 gowns, but it even stands out from that group because of the color choice. It's hard to tell if the dark background affects the dress color in this photograph, but it's such a unique choice. Not too yellow but still not quite olive green, it looks absolutely stunning on the models fair skin (though, she might be one of the few people that it flatters).
I really wish this image had been a white backdrop rather than black so I could see the detail of these pants. My thought is that they're well constructed jodhpurs. Why well constructed? Because she's close with the boys of Rag & Bone, and if they gave her some tips I imagine the pants are flawless (she's so close with them they named a style after her, the Devi).

J Mendel
Genius furs, fantastic eveningwear, no shock that the pre-fall collection is great.
Need to wear it. Head to toe. All black with gloves can be tricky, you don't want to look like a fancy cat burglar. This works perfectly because of the little details like the folded collar and the semi-sheer black hosiery.
Nothing to see here--except an amazing dress for fall.
Obviously I had to feature a piece with fur since it's J Mendel. What I like most is the color combination of the various blacks, the olive, the cream and the fur. Lovely fall colors.

Doo.Ri
Doo.Ri always has fantastic prints, and I love the ones featured in this collection. The proportion of this peacoat and short skirt and boots is fresh but difficult to pull off if you aren't a lithe, lanky model. Maybe mixing the pieces with things that are more wearable--pairing the skirt with a tucked in slim turtleneck (unless it's a dress, which upon closer examination, it may be). Or wearing the peacoat over a slim fit sweater and straight jeans.

Lovely dresses for fall weather.

Ageism

2009-12-09T12:58:00.006-05:00

I was about to write on this topic when I came across Anne Slowey's remarks about pre-adolescent fashion blogger, Tavi, and I couldn't agree with her more. The Cut quotes Slowey's opinion without necessarily weighing in on the debate (probably a good move since the blog probably doesn't want to side with Elle or Bazaar if the two are at odds over this).

A quick background on the pint-sized poet who has won over the fashion world: Tavi is a thirteen year old girl who is behind the blog Style Rookie. Her blog is no doubt fun to read and her approach to fashion is great. For thirteen years old her prose is quite beautiful but still smacks of a dark sense of humor in places. Ever since the fashion world has discovered this lovely little blogger she has exploded onto the scene. She's been featured in Interview and the Huffington Post, she's been sent to Tokyo to see Rei Kawakubo and she's doing video coverage of the Rodarte for Target line (the designers adore her and have sent her pieces from their actual collection).

I do enjoy her blog--she's clever and funny and clearly loves fashion. However, she's suddenly everywhere and not just to be interviewed. She's writing columns for Bazaar and talking to designers. I'm not so sure it's a great idea.

Getting older in fashion is hard because the trends are set by the young. The older you are, the more difficult it is to pull off some styles (the article above cited the Olsens as an example, which is perfect because no grown, stylish woman would clothe herself like a homeless person). Taking style cues from a girl who has no hips because she's too young (rather than she's starved) is nonsensical.

Anne Slowey at Elle finds Tavi gimmicky, and I have to agree. The freshness of her blog is that she's young, uninvolved in the industry, and arguably a bit naive (if not about fashion, then certainly about the world in general). As she grows up and is more exposed to things, her novelty will be gone and she'll just be another fashion girl. Or maybe not. I think the true test of her genius will be if in the next several years she continues to be exciting and forward for the fashion industry. Then I would actually want to read her magazine column and hopefully be able to keep up.

More Pre-Fall

2009-12-09T11:32:00.010-05:00

Donna Karan
I believe that the purpose of the pre-fall and pre-spring and extra resort seasons for designers is to generate more money for the label. And my understanding of how to turn a profit in this economy is to produce items that the consumer can justify purchasing, like a fantastic coat or a flattering suit. If practical dressing is the name of the game for pre-fall 2010, Donna Karan has nailed it (though doesn't she always?)
Though some of her looks require an impossibly thin frame for the draping to be remotely flattering, Donna Karan's collection has fantastic potential. The colors are fall, but the exciting, non-obvious choices, like mixing bright blues and electric chartreuse (now I'm making up colors) with charcoal greys and deep browns.

Jason Wu
Few designers had the year that Jason Wu did. Dressing the most watched woman of the year for her huge fashion debut (of course, I'm referring to Michelle Obama at the Inaugural Ball) is no small feat. Despite some debate over the actual gown, it was probably one of the most photographed looks of this year. Quite a 12 months for a 26 year old. His pre-fall collection is a sharp turn from the flowing white dress that made him a big name, but that's what makes it even more exciting. Short skirts and snug separates characterize what could be a great new look for the still young designer.

Thakoon
Another younger designer still exploding onto the scene (I know it's been a few seasons since appealing to the masses and doing blouses for the Gap, but the line just keeps growing) is Thakoon Panichgul. What a pre-fall collection: fringe, belted coats, booties. It has the sound of being either absolutely terrible or incredible. Thankfully, he delivered the latter.
This look is very wearable and chic but has a twist on it that makes it a newer, more exciting version of the basic black skirt, white blouse you can find anywhere. The draped fringe is so relaxed and bohemian, but the crisp black and white stripes of the shirt create a lovely contrast.
This could so easily go into that 'hippie-western-twee" realm with the pastel print, leather belt, fringe, booties--it's a lot of look, as Tim Gunn would say. But of course, it all works together perfectly. Though the dress is a bit more spring than fall, but that's kind of irrelevant.
Who wouldn't look fantastic in this dress and jacket combination? It's chic and sophisticated but still youthful and fun--which seems to really sum up the pre-fall collection. I doubt we'll go through next season without seeing this or another look from his well edited collection on celebrities and in magazines.

Maison Minus Martin Margiela

2009-12-09T09:34:00.004-05:00

The look above is from the Maison Martin Margiela Spring/Summer 2010 collection. We know its from the house of Margiela, but whether the eponymous designer created this collection or not is a bit up in the air. Communications from the Parisian line are minimal, and press materials for the show were extremely vague, especially for the avante-garde designer. In October Martin Margiela himself confirmed he left the company. Now is appears that those left have no plans of replacing him. Time will tell how the label will go on without the artistic mind behind some of those impossible looks (the execution techniques alone can be mind-blowing), especially if they do not replace him with another big name from the fashion world.

Last season's lackluster presentation leaves the future up in the air. Was that the work of Maison Martin Margiela 2.0, or was it the result of a confusing in-house shift thrown together without enough time to think and design and refine? Will the aesthetic Margiela started endure, or will those at the creative helm change directions? I predict an interesting Fall/Winter 2010 for the label.

(photo from s/s 2010, style.com)

Sheaths and Suits?

2009-12-08T22:30:00.005-05:00

In the middle of the decade there wasn't a red carpet without a body hugging, jewel-toned Roland Mouret creation on a major Hollywood star (Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Connelly, just two of the genetic lottery winners that wore the designs). His retro, ultra-fitted, feminine dresses were iconic for a year or so and then popularity waned.
The man has been outfitting ladies for years but neglecting half of the clothing buying population. Starting in January of 2010 the designer will present a 15 piece menswear collection. He's a luxury designer, so don't expect anything under $1500. But hey, the original Mouret creation spawned dozens of knock offs everywhere from Saks to Banana Republic, so hopefully the pieces will become just as popular and contemporary designers will give polished but poor gentlemen a chance at the ultra-tailored (I'm guessing) looks.

Had his menswear collection launched on the heels of his popular dresses it would have made sense at least from a business sense. But the buzz died down (I think the bandage dress started squeezing its fair share of Hollywood starlets) and his name wasn't attached to major actresses like it had been. We also entered a phase of hipster-chic fashion, lots of skinny jeans and boho dresses,and menswear pieces, all the absolute antithesis of Mouret's aesthetic.

And then came Mad Men.
No doubt every facet of culture has tuned into Matthew Weiner's brilliantly executed homage to 1960's style. And what dress is more iconic, more in line with mid-century modern fashion than the nipped-waist sheath. His style is back on the map and relevant, his diffusion line is up and running (RM by Roland Mouret), it's the perfect storm of influence for his style and a perfect opening for his entre into menswear.

Pre-Fall Already?

2009-12-07T19:51:00.009-05:00

As if it isn't hard enough to sort out what season we're in just based purely on temperature (how did it just become cold for the winter in New York in December??) or based on the market (yes, I love buying swimsuits in February and cashmere in August), the fashion industry has created extra mini-seasons to bump up its finances. Late November/December is apparently 'pre-fall', an odd term considering that fall, according to the calendar, hasn't even ended for 2009 and we're talking 2010 trends. Whatever, enjoy the clothes you can't afford!

Oscar de la Renta
These pants are atrocious on everyone but runway models. Perhaps one of the least forgiving cuts I've seen in a very long time. However, this lovely lady's frame and coloring are ideal. I'm into the blouse, though.
OH, HELLO MOST PERFECT LITTLE COCKTAIL DRESS OF ALL TIME! NICE TO SEE YOU!
Dresses in the gold and champagne family can be incredibly tough to pull off, especially when the fabrics are metallic. There was a dress from Banana Republic available for holiday two years ago that was a really perfect cut, but my friend and I looked somewhere between jaundiced and albino when we put it on, and we have great complexions for metallics (dark hair, sorry to brag). I would throw caution to the wind and buy this dress if I had the money. It's fantastic.

Burberry Prorsum
Perfection. Pure, military inspired, winter coat perfection. They should just give Christopher Bailey the crown and let him be the Queen of England.

Diane Von Furstenberg
I've been very anti-formal shorts for some time. I've always had a problem with girls who wear short shorts and a jacket or scarf or boots. Those are incongruous weather items. It's like cashmere tank tops or canvas boots. The Great Diane has changed my mind. Over the last few seasons I've come around a bit, thinking that the right heels and little jacket make shorts after dark outside of the summer months are okay. And I have to say, I. Love. These. All of the elements shouldn't work: the length, the pleats, the SHININESS. But I can't stop, I love them. I'm on board.
Lovely little look for the still warm days in September. Absolutely fantastic cut on the jacket (if you're a model).

I can't wait until whenever pre-fall naturally occurs so I can start wearing these items (oh who am I kidding, one shoe from one of these photos is my annual clothing budget. I'll buy my cool weather clothing at the post-holiday sales. See you at Loehmann's).

Curb it, Marc

2009-12-05T09:39:00.003-05:00

Look, like every girl in the United States, I have had my love affair with Marc Jacobs. I doted over his bespectacled, long haired identity, feverishly searched the sale racks for anything Marc by Marc for years, basked in the glory of my first Marc Jacobs Collection find at a Neiman Marcus outlet (a lovely black chiffon draped skirt with simple copper colored beads at the bottom). I have adored Marc from the beginning.

But this relationship is getting strained. I always thought my fashion lover was a giver. He gave me so many beautiful prints and brightly colored and a reason to go into department stores. Now I find that he's a taker. The newly tattooed and tanned (well, the makeover is hardly new) Marc seems more like a real estate mogul than a fashion designer. His takeover of Bleecker street on the west side at first was a laughable little New York trend piece. Now it's getting personal.

Biography bookshop, the bookstore on the corner of Bleecker before the park has been a staple for many book lovers, especially because of their sale tables outside, perfect for browsing on a walk home from brunch at Westville. The store is now moving so Marc Jacobs can open another outpost (since he's the only person that can afford that real estate). The store owners are moving a few blocks away and rebranding as Book Book, a far less adorable name. Now I'm all for boutiques full of cute clothes, but there are already 3-4 Marc stores on Bleecker, including the cheap accessories line (think canvas totes for $10 and fake leather wallets with his name emblazoned on everything) that has a line around the corner that rivals Magnolia bakery on a Saturday afternoon (blech to both).

So Marc, please, help me help our relationship. It seems you've got your runway shows and store collections back on track design-wise, and you've cleaned up your life and have a great relationship with your gorgeous Brazilian boyfriend (husband?). Now just leave my beloved independent stores alone. There is so much retail space in Manhattan, why not branch out? You can make it up to me by saving Left Bank Books.

Linkzies

2009-12-05T09:33:00.003-05:00

Let's face it, I can't read and write about everything fashion and shopping related. Some folks are just better because, well, they're organizations and professional websites instead of one crazed shopaholic on the upper west side with a full time job and a part time polyvore obsession. So here are some links form around the web this week that, if you read this site (meaning you're part of my immediate family or close friends) you might enjoy.

A Cup of Jo's first holiday gift guide (worth following along as she write more, her guide are great).

Sephora's Morning After make-up bag

Outlandishly priced fashion gifts (hint: I want the Hermes Camera or the Rick Owens bunny)

The Cut loves Ruffian, and so should you

The LA Conservancy celebrates the 1960s

Enjoy!

My Real Gift List

2009-12-01T22:50:00.009-05:00

Refinery29 has published their holiday gift list that features 30 items under $100. The price is right, and some things are desirable (the A.P.C. striped tee, the glass tumblers). I, however, have compiled my own list of fantastic gifts to give, but frankly, they're even better to receive. They are also all under $100 because, well, we can't all be millionaires.

Latte Bowls, Brook Farm General Store, $24 for set of 4
Eating out of bowls satisfies this bizarre nostalgia for childhood. Lots of kid foods are eaten out of bowls: cereal, macaroni and cheese, ice cream. And while our tastes may have changed since elementary school, there is still something that feels homey and nourishing when you eat out of a bowl. I absolutely love these from Brook Farm General Store, they look like they belong in an ice cream parlour...or my cabinets.

Notecards by Krisblues, Etsy, $20 for set of six
This Etsy seller has utterly adorable prints for sale but also sells notecards. Now, I love buying and owning stationary. Having good go-to blank cards for quick thank yous or acknowledgments is a very adult thing to do, and being 25, coming across those 'adult things' is always an exciting discovery and just one step closer towards feeling like a real person. Anyway, these are really cute (the elephants at the party!) and the right price.

Glitter Magic Wallet, J. Crew, $16.50
Everyone. Loves. Glitter. J Crew has been aware of this fact for some time and usually capitalizing on it through ballet flats or cardigans. A little glitter goes a long way, and usually outside of the months of November and December there isn't much room for glitter in the average person's wardrobe. Yet this reliable magic wallet is perfect for carrying around your taxi cash and credit cards during the holiday season, pulling it out to get your money to buy gifts will make you feel in the holiday spirit. However, I think this carries the risk of filling the bottom of your purse/coat pocket with loose glitter.

Rhino Necklace by M.E. Moore, Creatures of Comfort, $82.50 (sale price)
Okay, it's just really cute. Delicate jewelry with unexpected details are always good gifts. I still wear my Marc by Marc Jacobs clock necklace that is shaped like an enamel yellow pear. And now I want to give (ahem, WEAR) this nice gold necklace with a tiny rhino on it. Is that so much to ask??

Any Book, find a local store on indiebound.org, $worth the price
Books make great gifts. Not everyone will absolutely fall in love with Lorrie Moore (her newest novel, A Gate at the Stairs is pictured above and is a stellar read, currently available in hardcover). Anything from a fantastic thriller for a little more than the cost of a holiday latte to fabulous and expensive photographic coffee table books will do. There are lots of great cookbooks out this year: David Chang's Momofuku cookbooks is loaded with anecdotes of opening restaurants amid his famous recipes, or you could buy the classic Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child. Whatever it is, buy a book this season, for you or for someone else. Find a local independent bookstore if possible on IndieBound.

Simon Doonan to the White House!

2009-12-01T22:22:00.003-05:00

It looks like Lanvin dresses and Michael Kors blazers won't be the only things coming to the White House from Barneys New York this Christmas. The New York Times reports that the store's creative director Simon Doonan will be decorating the White House for the holiday season.
He's reliably dishy as a New York Observer columnist, unbelievably stylish as he is always dressed in well-fit clothing with bold prints, and absolutely adorable as half of what might be the world's most amazing design couple (his partner is home decor and potter extraordinaire Jonathan Adler). But above all, he is extremely talented. The Barneys New York window displays are some of the most exciting in all of Manhattan with themes ranging from kids' art to Andy Warhol. With the most stylish administration since the Kennedys (and perhaps the most obsessive attention to the first lady's wardrobe in history), this year's holiday decorations should be absolutely spectacular.

Zac Attack at Target!

2009-11-30T22:13:00.003-05:00

As if every other fashion news story these days isn't related to fast fashion, here comes another one. On the heels of new images of the Sonia Rykiel for H&M lingerie (more details here at the Cut) we learn of the next designer doing a capsule line for American suburban staple, Target: Zac Posen! Remember his spring/summer 2010 collection:
Zac has proved he can do anything from a chic little dress to a full on, red carpet gown and everything in between. His edgy take on American sportswear has made him a fashion prodigy winning a CFDA award in 2004 for womenswear at the astonishingly young age of 24. At 24 most people are roughly a year into a miserable desk job with no idea what they want to do and searching coat pockets for forgotten cash in order to go out that night. Not Zac Posen. He was a giant success already.

April 25th the collection hits US stores and I'm sure that most of the fashion world is eagerly awaiting its arrival (I specify US stores because he already created a capsule line for Target stores in Australia). This announcement followed an earlier statement from Posen that he would be starting a diffusion line at a lower price point than his collection. Lots of affordable Zac Posen to come--2010 is looking to be a fantastic year.

More Almodovar!

2009-11-29T13:16:00.005-05:00

Pedro Almodovar's latest film Broken Embraces is finally out (at least in New York). It's been several years since Volver, and we're owed a dose of his cinematic genius. I'm eagerly awaiting the styling of his leading ladies, especially Penelope Cruz (the film takes place in both current time as well as the 1990s--which could make for some incredible costume decisions).

Excuse me?

2009-11-23T20:55:00.003-05:00

These are, from what I can tell from the shopbop page, shoes. After reading the description I'm still perplexed. I know what flip flops are. I can usually understand what an "ankle cuff" would look like. Somehow even with those identifying features I cannot wrap my head around what is going on here. Is that upright piece stretchy like a sock? Is there a closure in the back? Are there even two straps to create a proper flip-flop? I'm so confused and scared.

Blogger Stars

2009-11-22T14:49:00.008-05:00

Fashion bloggers have become increasingly more important in the industry and taking on all kinds of interesting jobs. Two of my favorite fashion and style bloggers have landed incredible jobs with major labels and I couldn't be more excited to see how their projects come out.

The Sartorialist has been shooting campaigns for the last several years, so he isn't a stranger to the world of fashion advertising and editorial (nor is his style blogger/photographer girlfriend Garance Dore). But his new project is for Burberry's Art of the Trench, and it's fantastic. Here are some samples of his work from his blog.
The photography is incredible (as expected) and so is the styling (also expected). The entire project is a collection of pictures of various Burberry trenches taken and styled by some of the world's greatest tastemakers, like Scott Schuman. You can even submit your own photos, but keep in mind that the bar is set quite high. He seems like a great fit for the project because Burberry is an old company with a rather traditional look (granted, Christopher Bailey is an incredible designer for Burberry Prorsum). Scott appreciates classic style but with modern twists, along with the ultra modern concept of a style blog. I think this will be an excellent pairing of photographer and product to really illuminate just how fantastic each is.

Joanna Goddard is a fabulous blogger who currently writes her own lovely blog A Cup of Jo in addition to contributing to Glamour's Smitten blog about relationships (she also contributes to other websites and magazines--how does she find the time?!). Yves Saint Laurent is launching a new fragrance, Parisienne and is taking a strong approach to marketing the new scent and really branding it. The label has recruited Joanna Goddard in addition to Anna Wolf, Meg Cuna of Stylcaster.com and Christene Barberich and Piera Gelardi of Refingery29. The task at hand? Find images that reflect the style and essence of Paris and YSL's Parisienne right here in the United States. So far so good, right?
(These images courtesy of YSL's Experience PARISIENNE)
I'm excited about this project because the marketing of fragrances is always tricky because short of a magazine sample or testing it in a store, there's not a whole lot you can figure out about the product from advertising on tv or in print or online. Having up and coming trendsetters show a variety of interpretations of the fragrance through photography is a really innovative way to market the scent and it does, in fact, make me want to seek out a bottle of the stuff myself.

Label Spotting

2009-11-21T11:52:00.003-05:00

Every season we find the 'it' items. Style blogs or fashion magazines or celebrities start featuring or wearing the right bag or hairstyle or jewelry trend and suddenly every girl from New York to San Diego in line to get it themselves. And sometimes that trend is only available in limited quantities. Enter Chanel nail polish.
In the last few years nail color has become an important part of being stylish, and Chanel nail colors have been leading the pack (remember the rush for the Black Satin color? or the purple?). A little bottle of this nail polish is $22.00 and up. That's a lot for a little bottle of, well, paint.

An article on Racked noted that bottles of the stuff have been going for $100 on ebay because stores are sold out and girls everywhere are so desperate for it. And I understand that trends and the laws of supply and demand can drive up prices on status items. That's why monogram handbags from luxury houses are so pricey for what they are (canvas sacks, need I remind you).

What really baffles me about the skyrocketing prices of Chanel nail polish is that there are thousands of other nail polishes out there, many of them almost the exact hue of the jade pictured above. And even though I spend the better part of my day browsing and studying trends and fashion, I could never tell if a girl was wearing Chanel polish or a drug store brand that's almost the same color. In fact, I doubt that even the chemists that put the Chanel polish together could even do that. My advice to the ladies in front of their computers bidding on bottles should hit up their local Duane Reade (or for non-New Yorkers, CVS or Rite Aid) and see what Revlon and Essie have to offer, spend the rest of that $100 on a great dress to go with your new (totally affordable) nails.

Collabzies!

2009-11-14T11:22:00.009-05:00

Clearly we're still in the era of fast fashion and high end lines are still looking for extra cash (trust me, in the book publishing world, I understand that selling mass appeal products pays for you to produce the more intellectual/artistic items: profits from Dan Brown let us publish books of short stories by obscure literary authors--it's business). Anyway, there's a lot afoot in the world of designer collaborations.

Jimmy Choo for H&M
Jimmy Choo heels run several hundred dollars and the bags are usually over a thousand dollars. H&M clothing and accessories are typically under a hundred bucks (I say typically because, let's face it, in the company's heyday you could get half a wardrobe for less than half your paycheck--these days they are charging much, much more). H&M is also not known for carrying shoes. This collaboration doesn't quite make sense but the opportunity for Jimmy Choo under $200 is rather exciting. And with holiday parties a few weeks away, lots of people are looking for fancy heels.

And speaking of holiday cocktail parties and the requisite attire, Target is emerging as an early frontrunner as the place to go for designer collaboration looks for cheap.
The Gossip Girl inspired Anna Sui capsule collection for Target isn't new, and that's probably the best part about it. These cute dresses will be on clearance soon if they aren't already, mostly to make room for Target's next capsule line: RODARTE. I love the Mulleavy sisters, I think their runway shows are innovative and beautiful:
Rodarte designs are usually very complicated and most of the genius is in the execution. Target isn't exactly known for high quality materials or attention to detail (nothing wrong with that). This might be the reason that with what we know so far, the collection for the super store looks a little different than the runway looks we're used to. The Cut at New York Mag has pictures of the clothes. They're heavy on bows and lace but generally make up a great holiday collection.
I'm not sold on the skeleton top, but I am interested in the striped tee and the sparkly, sheer long cardigan (not pictured but it comes in black, cream and yellow and I kind of want all of them). Capsule lines are tricky, however, and should usually be inspected in person. Since I live in New York and the Target on Atlantic Avenue is my own personal hell, I will probably miss out.

Project Irrelevant

2009-11-10T22:22:00.004-05:00

When Project Runway began a few years ago it launched the celebrity careers of fashion professionals and brought innovative design to popular culture. Blah, blah, whatever, it really gave us amazingly bitchy (and still absolutely insightful) criticism from "American Sportswear Designer" Michael Kors and "Fashion Director of Elle Magazine" Nina Garcia. It also probably gave the fashion magazine industry a much needed boost and Mr. Kors a fame platform from which to launch his many diffusion lines. The show also gave us a weekly reason to stop eating in the form of Heidi Klum, a whole host of reality personalities that would clearly never appear on Survivor, and frankly, it gave us the Bravo network we know and love today.

And in the past several years Project Runway has really contributed a lot to fashion's role in today's media and popular culture and in the last few years it has only increased in popularity (probably thanks to this man):
And as someone who normally hates when the masses get on board with something, I've really enjoyed the skyrocketing popularity of Project Runway and it's insider look at part of the fashion industry. People in suburbia know what the tents at Bryant Park are, could probably identify Cynthia Roweley by looks, and know there's a difference between silk satin and silk charmeuse.

Now, however, thanks to a variety of changes the show has become almost totally irrelevant. Perhaps it's the move to Los Angeles and thus the diminished presence of the charming Kors and Garcia. Maybe it's the move from trendy Bravo to typically unhip Lifetime. Maybe the fashion this season just isn't that inspiring. Whatever the reason, something is very off and regular viewers have stopped caring about this program. Hopefully the show will either return to Bravo in its original form or be put out of its misery.

(I still casually tune in to see what Nina is wearing).

Halloween Shopping

2009-10-29T21:20:00.010-05:00

Fashion lovers can be some of the most enthusiastic Halloween costumer shoppers (after all, the biggest part of the holiday is buying a new and ridiculous outfit). But those same fashion lovers may be more inclined to find their costume at a reliable store than a pop up holiday shop. There are stores that embrace their ability to go from ready-to-wear to costume in the blink of an eye, like American Apparel:
It's obvious that a store that sells a lot of lycra bodysuits and metallic jackets easily crosses over into a Halloween costume emporium. But, there are other stores that are normal go-tos for jeans and cocktail dresses that are brimming with great costume ideas.

Most girls check out ShopBop for skinny jeans and silky tops, but apparently you can find the perfect dress for a Halloween costume of a hot chick from 1987 thanks to this Beyond Vintage minidress. Sure you could wear it with some pumps and loose waves and wear it out to a fancy dinner any night. But you could also add a crimped side ponytail, fishnets and neon bangles and you are the most popular girl at your high school twenty years ago.

I love Rachel Comey for amazing prints and cute separates. Thanks to Creatures of Comfort, you can also buy this Rachel Comey, uh, vest, and be a German beer wench or whatever it is that might wear something like that.

Look, there will probably be quite a few Michelle Obamas out there this year. Just go to J. Crew and pick out things you would want to wear to work. Then wear them out. This will only really work if you're black.

Now, for years I have had one goal for Halloween that I have not yet actually done it. Even if done properly I doubt I'll ever make it work. My ideal costume: Eleanor Zissou, Anjelica Huston's role in Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic. The best photo of her in a caftan isn't online but here's a close option:
I could easily dress as her from the movie premier within the movie courtesy of some high end shopping:
Nicole Miller gown from Saks.
Fiona Paxton necklace from shopbop.
All I need is a long brown wig with blunt cut bangs and a cigarette holder and someone to dress up as Bill Murray in that movie. It'll happen one day. One day.

Until then I'll be dressed up as a tamagotchi. Yeah, you read that right. A tamagotchi. Be super jealous.

Are you ready to waste some time!?

2009-10-29T20:37:00.003-05:00

There are a lot of websites that end up being a black hole of time: Facebook, The Onion, Yoox, whatever. Well, be ready to add another one to this list (again, courtesy of those at Fashionista, yet again): Polyvore.

The site allows you to build outfits and fashion layouts from a large selection of clothing, accessories, beauty products and backgrounds. It's addicting. I lost literally hours of my day to this site. These are my first two attempts at being my own fashion magazine.
So, say goodbye to your free time. I'm sorry, and, you're welcome.

Get married and get registered

2009-10-13T18:15:00.003-05:00

Racked featured a link this morning to an article in Forbes that listed some of the best items to buy during the fall thanks to seasonal discounts. On the list: wedding dresses and housewares (this is, of course, because many more people get married in the spring/summer so of course the demand for white gowns and sets of silverware is higher in June than November). Also on the list was toys and denim.

Anyway, if you're about to have a shotgun wedding, you're in luck, your dress will be cheap.

(dress via jcrew)

My Dream Wardrobe

2009-10-09T18:20:00.020-05:00

Forget show reviews, all I care about with the end of the spring/summer 2010 runway shows is my dream wardrobe. My favorite looks for any occasion. Also, in this dream I have Lara Stone's body and an unlimited wardrobe budget (I can't believe this woman is talking about dieting to lose weight because she's big for the industry. I would take out a kidney for that body, which would be the last of the requirements).

Work Wear
Oh, hello Important Client at my Important Job. This Donna Karan suit is unbelievable. The fit is perfect, the color is absolutely stunning and a variant on the traditional grey tones used in structured officewear.
While I don't normally stand around flipping my hair back and forth waiting for copies to be finished, if I did, I would ideally do it in these two Chris Benz outfits. The bold stripes are so spot on and in the right colors and aren't stuffy and preppy but rather trendy and chic.
This Lela Rose look has a lot of the same appeal and would easily translate from work to cocktails (ugh, as if women's magazines haven't been pushing that concept for the last 4 decades). All great pieces on their own as well.

Casual Wear
This Jenni Kayne outfit seems ideal for almost anything: brunch (slouchy shirt equals extra potatoes but the white pants pose quite a bloody mary conundrum), errands (comfortable and easy to take on an off while shopping), virtually anything. I'm even on board with the black peep toe shoes.
I have said so many times I do not like the bandage dress. At first I totally got the sexy appeal but when you see 1000 of them on the average 20something in Hollywood it becomes an incredibly boring approach to clothing. Then came this Boy Band of Outsiders outfit and I'm changing my tune. It's great for a low key night or daytime activities (I might change the shoe, but let's not split perfectly coiffed hairs).
Thank you, Stella McCartney, for making easy, floaty dresses that still have a sexy shape. I would wear this dress daily. Who wouldn't?

Fancy
(okay this ranges from flashy nighttime wear to an actual gown)
The cut and print on this little Doo.Ri dress work together so perfectly it's hard to know I don't have it in my closet ready to pull out and just wear around. The asymmetrical neckline means no necklaces necessary, and with that belt and this print, why would you need one? I'm thinking this dress is ideal for a family wedding (which is very much not a friend wedding) with some cute roundtoe pumps. In any season.
Black on black is always chic and always appropriate at night. I love the textures and patterns of this Costume National dress and jacket (?).
You could wear this to a trendy bar and sit alone and drink scotch and be this super hot maneater (what with the layered mini dress and the ballbuster boots). You could also show up to the wedding of a nemesis that's on the more casual side and be that talked about chick who is still a scotch drinking maneater but this time you're stealing her thunder.
YSL's head designer Stefano Pilati rarely makes mistakes. This slouchy green, belted dress is such a stunning color and that rare mix of elegance and comfort. I love the casual belt and tan pumps and will be seriously pissed if I don't see this at a movie premier on someone awesome. It deserves a moment (as Rachel Zoe would say).

ACCESSORIES
Shoes
So in addition to a chic collection, Hannah McGibbon for made the world's most perfect casual sandal for her Chloe show. I might not tuck in the seem-ripped hem of my jeans to the back strp but I could see myself living in these all from May to September. Not too many straps, perfect dakr brown color, simple hardware. Fanastic.
I know I'm all YSL this and YSL that on this post but come on, these grey suede sandals are so perfect with everything from distressed, slouchy jeans to a mini cocktail dress. I need them. And that edging on the toebed is such a nice touch.
Like YSL, I will talk about Lanvin until I fall asleep sitting up with cottonmouth. We've already gone over the genius of the clothing in the collection, but these shoes are absolutely hands down the definition of Parisian chic. The subtle platform, the crooked heel, the color combination, the gold chain and brown leather ankle strap really shouldn't all go on one shoe and still be considered 'chic', but it is, and until these magically arrive in a UPS box at my doorstep I don't want to talk about it anymore.

Jewelry
Bottega Venetta is known for woven leather goods. Thomas Maier is known for monochromatic chic clothing (for women, often of the sundress variety and cropped trousers). I don't know who is responsible for this necklace on the runway but I want to wear it everyday from the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep. It's so cool without being trendy or over-the-top.
Most bangles are stacked in gold or silver or bright lacquer or varying widths. These bracelets from Marni were a standout for me of that runway show (mostly because I wasn't a huge fan of the striped leggings). On their own or in a stack of four these are fun and casual but not sloppy looking.

Well, if I had my way, those are some of the looks that would make it to my dream wardrobe for spring/summer 2010 pending a LOT of life changes for me. In addition would be about 2,000 more items, mostly from Lanvin and Jenni Kayne, but this is as edited a list as I could make without being repetitive.

So if anyone won the lottery and is thinking of buying me a gift, consult the blog. Or cash, cash is fine, too.

(photos, of course, from style.com. thank you for existing to help me kill time but not money like some other websites-ahem revolveclothing.com)

PS-She made that!

2009-10-09T16:40:00.004-05:00

I've always loved crafts but usually take a ton of effort to get started and end up just buying the original thing I wanted instead (I planned on making the bead and ribbon necklaces at J.Crew forever but it just never materialized and now they aren't as appealing for some reason).

For awhile I put fur (most of the time, faux) vests on the back burner thinking they looked stupid or too much like a bear or make you huge or something. However, the more of them I see the more I really want one but refuse to pay $800 to dress up like a forest animal. But seriously, how amazing?
This version is from Opening Ceremony (they also have one inspired by the new film Where the Wild Things Are but it's a little too costumey to be cute and that movie is a little too twee to be watchable--but I'll admit it looks quite cute).

Now thanks to the amazing blog PS I Made This, brought to you via fashionista, I may actually get off my ass and make a faux fur vest (let's face it, from what I can tell you kind of just have to buy a piece of fake fur and cut armholes in it--I can handle that).
This blog makes me want to ransack a craft store immediately. Have a good weekend, I'll be lost in a world of sparkly beads and hot glue guns at Lee's Art Shop.

Love: Dries Van Noten

2009-10-08T16:32:00.004-05:00

I always enjoy the Dries Van Noten collections, but this season they really hit it out of the park. Sometimes I don't love too many prints or prints that are too busy, but this is literally perfect. Enjoy the rest of the photos on style.com, but view some great looks below.

That necklace better be available for purchase.
Beautiful.
Simple and chic.
This makes me want printed pants--and in no way should I (or most of the population) wear printed pants.

The 3 Cs of Paris

2009-10-08T15:38:00.013-05:00

Chloe. Celine. Chanel.

Chloe is one of those can't fail houses, and even when headed by a short lived creative director, the pieces still sell (that collection of mostly navy from a season or two ago before Hannah McGibbon didn't draw a ton of attention but if Bee Shaffer can wear that paint stripe dress I think the rest of us can deal). Since the arrival of Ms. McGibbon the line has become a bit less girly than the days of Phoebe Philo. And what line doesn't need a good makeover every once in a while?
Few things look as sharp as a crisp white suit. This one is much more relaxed than the super structured versions we're used to, but still lovely. I love the mixing of a voluminous white suit with an extra casual black leather sandal.
As I said, there were neutral dresses all over the European runways and after a few weeks they all can blur together. Not this one. I absolutely love the cut. The dress manages to be Grecian-inspired without looking like the average draped toga dress at all. I would wear this dress anywhere--work, a date, running errands. That was a stand-out aspect of this Chloe collection, almost everything on the runway was incredibly wearable--smart in this economic climate.
Sometimes a shirtdress is just a shirtdress. And sometimes it's an amazing piece that is hard to imagine not owning. This dress is certainly the latter. Granted I'd unbutton the top a bit, but the cut of the skirt and the styling is pretty perfect.

Celine is a design house that has been around forever and had some major names in fashion at the helm (ever heard of Michael Kors?) but never reached the cult appeal of some of the other Paris labels. The arrival of Phoebe Philo may change all of that. Her spring/summer 2010 collection is sharp and sporty but still sophisticated and stylish enough for her young fans. Plus, leather!
A leather t-shirt can go horribly wrong. But, being a style genius, she paired a perfectly cut leather tee with a cute belted skirt and all of the sudden you can put it on Anna Wintour.
One of the things about Ms. Philo is good for is mixing textures or fabrics. Khaki and army green can be tricky because both colors are rooted in uniform looks. But this look is far from military garb.
Who needs a little black dress when you can have a fantastic blue and white dress? The color-blocked proportions are perfec and the blue is rich enough that it doesn't look navy or black or too blue. And in a collection of mostly tans and dark greens, the splash of blue is a really exciting touch yet still works within the color story.

Chanel. Are there six letters that have more value to girls (okay there probably are, but go with me on this). Women everywhere lust after the classic tweed suits, giant strands of beads and quilted bags. Karl Lagerfeld created a spring/summer collection that, as usual, stunned everyone--if for no other reason than it was staged among bales of hay.
I can't comment on the genius of Chanel. It's a label I will probably never own and always admire from afar. It's just beautiful.

Don't worry...

2009-10-06T21:48:00.003-05:00

All the rest from Paris to come soon--including Stella McCartney, Chloe, Celine and, of course, CHANEL!

(Lily Allen closing out the Chanel show via Style.com)

Paris Partie Un

2009-10-03T17:29:00.007-05:00

Outside of American sportswear my favorite fashion city style is, of course, Parisian. I love Paris street style. I love the drama of couture. But the biggest reason for loving the style of France is that the runway shows fall somewhere in between.

Rick Owens
Rick Owens always works in a gorgeous grey, black and neutral palette, something so appealing to me. And while one of my fashion goals for my life is to own a Rick Owens leather jacket, I would settle for the grey tie up heels. Fanastic runway show. I only wish that my laptop screen had a 'texture' setting so I can feel how buttery the leather is. Well, I have many more wishes than the ability to feel texture through my computer, but that would be a nice touch during the Paris shows.

Balenciaga
If I'm on board for anything for spring 2010 it's the multicolor print miniskirt. That skirt can do anything, and Nicholas Ghesquiere made it again and again and if I had something like, I don't know, a savings account, I would buy every incarnation (and 2 of the one in the bottom photo, in case I spilled a drink on one).

Balmain
Balmain burst onto the fashion seen last year with the enhanced shoulder embellished blazers worn exclusively by fashionistas and Michael Jackson. Balmain has been around but it was those bold shoulders that made the line famous (or more importantly, the celebrities that wore the bold shouldered jackets and were ridiculed by some and idolized by others). This collection took that fame and used it to bring exciting new clothes to people that otherwise wouldn't have noticed Balmain all that much. And that last dress? Herve Leger bandage dress, EAT YOUR HEART OUT!

Nina Ricci
Lovely.

Lovin' Lanvin

2009-10-03T14:59:00.011-05:00

Every season my favorite Paris show (except for Chloe's standout shows) is Lanvin. Hands down Alber Elbaz is the most talented designer in western Europe, if not the world. I have no words, just lots and lots of gorgeous photos.
Get in my closet. RIGHT NOW. I'm still unsure if I understand the whole one opera length leather glove thing, but for Elbaz, I'll let it slide.
The overabundance of blush/nude/light neutral colored looks walking down the runways made many of the spring/summer European shows a bit boring. But when this look walked down the runway I stared at the photo for minutes (which, let's face it, is a long time to look at a picture of a dress on the internet that you know you'll probably never even see in person, much less afford or fit into).
This look embodies so many things I hate about current fashion trends. I'm not on board with jumpsuits (though they are growing on me in a way I'm a little frightened of considering my body type). I'm pretty against one shouldered looks though give a pass to the right ones. When I saw this look I thought, "I really should hate this. It has all of the things I get so enraged about when I'm walking down the street. Shiny fabric is no one's friend." But then I looked at it for a few minutes and was transfixed. It's so wrong it's right. So very wrong. But so very, very right.
SWEET JESUS SO MANY SPARKLES. Like a magpie and most women under thirty I am so drawn to shiny things that they increase the appeal of an outfit for me almost tenfold. These two looks from the end of the show are my favorites.

And if you like the clothes, just take a look at the accessories from the show:
The shoes. Those chains. That round toe. Perfection.
Over the top jewels are a staple of Lanvin collections. Elbaz doesn't necessarily need anything extra to his gorgeously draped silk dresses and fluid tops, but hey, who doesn't like more jewels? They make everything better.

Sick of clothes?

2009-09-29T18:05:00.004-05:00

I know that's an absolutely ridiculous question for the readers of a fashion blog (can we call it that?). But I also know that even the most ardent love of Lanvin and chambray and knife-pleats can yearn for something more. Perhaps you want to read about what's happening in the world of tv. Or movies. Or daguerrotypes.

Then feel free to follow my thoughts outside of the fashion industry on my new blog: leibrary. If you know me, you get it. If you don't know me, well, I really like inside jokes so I'm sorry but maybe we can start our own or something.

Disclaimer: there will probably not be any information about daguerrotypes on this other blog, so if that's something you're looking for, I suggest you go elsewhere.

All in the details

2009-09-25T12:53:00.008-05:00

Last season when everyone hated the Giorgio Armani show I kind of loved the blue/green color story and the slouchy shorts and pants. Whatever. Another spring/summer show is upon us and at first glance I was rather unimpressed with Mr. Armani's offerings. Sure there were some pretty dresses and lovely colors and everything fit like a glove, but it didn't have a wow factor. When I reviewed the detail photos, however, I learned what we've always known all along: the genius of Armani is in the details.

I enjoyed this look head to toe when I saw it. Great colors; flattering wearable cut; cute shoes that real people could actually wear on the street. But it looks too close to the knock offs that will inevitably appear in a few weeks everywhere from Banana Republic to Forever 21. Then I saw the detail shot.
The texture of the skirt is lost in the longshot. Up close, however, you can see just how nicely it contrasts with the metallic green belt and the floaty chiffon of the top.

Even from this shot you can see there is a lot going on technically in this look. Each piece could absolutely stand on its own, especially the skirt. But up close it's even more of an event.
This shot is probably to capture the bag, which is ironic because I can't see much about its detail. What I can see is how gorgeously executed the skirt is. It's a masterpiece completely on its own, separate from the rest of the outfit.

I was pretty shocked to see this dress as the penultimate look in the Armani show. I mean, the last few looks are usually the show-stoppers, the impossible gowns that are for runway only. This strapless cocktail dress hardly seemed to fit the bill.
The close-up shot shed some light on this choice. The detail that went into creating the floral pattern was obviously done by hand and took an incredible amount of time and talent. Anyone beyond the front row (or even those in it) might have missed just how magnificently made this dress was. It's another given for the red carpet.