Florals for Spring...

Cottage Chic: Robert Stilin's Hamptons Classic

2012-12-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Wednesday's are one of my favorite days of the week, especially mid-month as the mailbox is filled with magazines. I feel bad for our mailman as he squeezes W into a space smaller than its pages and then has to stuff the 10 lb. September Vogue around it. Upon arrival, I wiggle pull them out, careful not to tear the pages, and take them upstairs to the apartment where I remove all the plastic and shake out the inserts. Then it's up to the cover for who gets my energy first. Sometimes during the shake out process I come across something my eyes stop on. I learned from my Dad to always start from the back, and for Elle Decor it's to my advantage as that's where all the features are-- ad free. I earmarked page 115 immeadiately in the December 2012 issue last week and have been obsessing over the Sagaponack, New York re-habbed farmhouse ever since-- it epitomizes cottage chic.

As a professional magazine hoarder who's running out of space in the "Vogue" closet, I've befriended Pinterest as an online storage space for all my favorite spreads. If a magazine's website doesn't have the feature I like online at publishing time, they usually add it within a few weeks. I started to get worried when even a google search didn't bring up this Westchester County Long Island property today. Finally I found it on the designer's Facebook page, Robert Stilin as a preview. Whew!

Talk about limited distribution! After my long search, I decided to re-post the article in its entirety. I'm enamored with country estates-- especially those that blend modern and rustic aesthetics. I hope this design serves as an inspiration…to both you and I.

The grey and white striped cushions pop against the antique bookcase immediately giving the home it's modern country feel.

The masterful part about this property is the Shingle-style farmhouse rehabbed into a cozy minimalist cottage.

Love the furnishings, color palette, and barn door # 1.

Barn door #2! This room errs a little clinical. The last thing you want to see your kids in is a children's hospital. I'd add a fantastic jute rug and some wall art.

Once again, for a children's room it reads a bit barren.

The bedroom is my favorite space in the home. I love the iron four poster bed, wide plank floors, and mix of modern and antique. Plus, they mixed all my favorite colors with blue!

The light fixture in the dining room adds a quirky modern touch. Notice lots of furniture (like the coffee table) have square angles, they make the room feel crisper.

This home is featured in the December 2012 Elle Decor.

Resort's Glossy Accessories

2012-12-02T22:24:00.003-08:00

Add a pop of gloss this Spring with these accessories. They're a great contrast to black and white, show off prints, and are sexy with sheer.

Shiny Stella McCartney @ Stella Miami.

Patent Pink Marni @ net-a-porter.

Valentino Glam Lock Bag @ NM.

Miu Miu Silver Glitter Pump @ NM.

Manolo Blahnik Bright BB Pump @ NM.

Louboutin Sweet Charity Bag @ NM.

Saturday Style: Shop Spring's Black and White Duality Now

2012-12-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

Just a month and a half ago I was writing about the domination of white on the Spring runways. Seize the trend now with Resort looks that are already in store. Why wait?!

We explore all forms of Spring's clean slate plus its duality with black in block, print, and stripe. While Marc Jacobs' stripes and LV's checkerboard may have dominated in New York and Paris this September, wear the trend months before those collections hit stores in March. It's said the Resort collections influence what we see in Spring, and this is no exception.

STRIPE AND PRINT

Celine $3,100-$1,900 @ NM stores.

Stella McCartney Floral Print Blazer $1,695.

Stella Gingham Bustier & Floral-Printed Shorts $2,060-$595.

Stella Falabella Fold-Over Floral-Canvas Tote Bag $1,280.

Guiseppe Zanotti Satin Stripe Floral Pump $1,150.

THE BLACK AND WHITE BLOCK

Chado Ralph Rucci.

Lanvin Bow-Front Sleeveless Jacket & Ruffle-Waist Skirt $2,270-$2,575.

Christopher Kane Printed Maxi $3,415.

3.1 Phillip Lim $995 top & $1,500 pants.

WHITE-OUT

Marchesa.

Alexander McQueen.

Celine.

Alexander McQueen Tuxedo Gown $3,475.

McQueen Sleeveless Pucker-Knit Dress $2,295.

McQueen Double Breasted Jacket and Flared Pant in Satin Twill $4,595.

McQueen Geometric Intarsia-Knit Flounce Dress $2,395.

THE INSPIRATION-- SPRING 2013

Haider Ackerman.

Louis Vuitton.

Black Friday Deals by Piperlime: Lightweight Leather for Resort

2012-11-22T00:04:00.000-08:00

Like yesterday, here's some Black Friday deals on Spring's RTW trend, Lightweight leather. Once again, spend your dollars on great pieces that will carry you into Spring, on trend of course!

Trend from the Spring Runway…Lightweight Leather

As seen at Celine.

The deals:

Check the links for the most current prices-- and to see the great savings off the originals!

From Gap and Piperlime.

Nanette Lepore Stolen Kiss Leather Dress $472.99

Free People Vegan Cropped Leather Jacket $149.99

Free People Vegan Leather Moto $198

Tinley Road Vegan Leather Peplum Top $98

Black Friday Deals by Piperlime: Resort Prints

2012-11-21T23:26:00.001-08:00

Black Friday is a day of frenzied shopping where pedestrians load up on sweaters they dig out of bins, and puffy jackets. But it doesn't have to be that way! After years in the store, I recommend picking pieces that will transition into Spring. Sure, staples are necessary, but why not get a head start on next seasons trends during a hot sale?

During the Spring collections I gathered the trends: Lightweight Leather, Glossy Bags and Shoes, Ruffles, Stella Blue, White Out, and the best prints from NY to London.

For Black Friday I wanted to showcase on-line deals at reduced prices that have the Spring runway look. Here are two print leaders and inspiration to drive your Black Friday shopping:

Mary Katrantzou.

Proenza Schouler.

Now, deals from Piperlime and Gap:

Tibi Hudson Drape Sleeve Dress $184.97

Pim + Larkin Scarf Print Mini $24.97

213 Industry Rebecca Floral Pleated Dress $88.99

Trina Turk Ikat Silk Dress $127.97

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Silk Halter Dress $155.97

BCBGMAXAZRIA Pleat Dress $268

Joe's Jeans $179

Click the links for each item above for up to the minute pricing. Prices as of 11/21.

Visit my resort Pinterest board for more deals.

The Vogue Gift Guide: Neiman Marcus + Target

2012-11-18T21:40:00.000-08:00

What's wrapped in a beautiful red bow and sealed with a sticker? The Vogue gift guide!

Honestly, it brought me more excitement than the cover girl, Anne Hathaway, gracing December's Vogue. I might be a bit biased, but I think this is the most interesting advertising campaign I've seen a retailer do.

Not only did Neiman Marcus + Target buy every ad slot for the season two debut of the ABC show Revenge-- even incorporating the shows characters into the commercials-- but they bought the whole Vogue gift guide. Sitting in the middle of the book, the gift guide folds open to reveal a mini Vogue where the gift guide is housed. While the guide itself isn't devoted totally to NM + Target, the "wrapping" is devoted to all NM + Target products and the CFDA designers.

I haven't seen this depth of an undertaking for a Holiday campaign, and I doubt either retailer could've pulled it off single handedly-- especially the financial undertaking. With less of a turn out for the Mason Martin Margiela for H&M collaboration, we'll see how the high-low combo goes when the products launch December 1.

Enjoy the unveiling...

Fashion Goes More Global with Carine, Neiman, and GAP

2012-11-17T22:56:00.000-08:00

Several key players in the fashion industry-- already seemingly globalized -- have announced new strategies to further expand their reach, increase synergy, and develop business in the global arena. Here's the three biggest developments:

1. Harper's Bazzar appoints global fashion director

Carine Roitfeld.

Celebrated stylist and editor Carine Roitfeld was appointed as global fashion director of Harper's Bazaar. She'll style four fashion stories a year that will appear simultaneously across all international editions, according to WWD. “It’s a smart and clever thing for all of our editors to buy into because every edition of the magazine gets the benefit of this global story, and which magazine wouldn’t want a story styled by Carine?” said Duncan Edwards, the CEO of Hearst Magazines International. The appointment allows Harper's to save on production costs and provide a single vision across the globe.

Carine, who collaborated with Tom Ford at Gucci, and formerly of the Conde Nast family, is quite a score for Harper's.

Former editor of French Vogue, Carine left around a year ago to work on her own glossy, CR Fashion Book, and is taking the Harper's gig in a freelance capacity.

The cover (front and back) of the first issue of CR Fashion Book.

Carine was an early creator of the 90's porno chic aesthetic.

2. Neiman Marcus debuts international shipping to 150 countries

Neiman's online portal, neimanmarcus.com, who previously only shipped within the United States and Canada now offers shipping to over 150 countries. "The company hired FiftyOne Global Ecommerce to provide the technology to allow the international shipping features, including detecting an online shopper's country of residence to convert U.S. dollar prices into the local currency and figuring out sales taxes and customs duties," states Reuters.

Karen Katz and other executives at the Glamour Sales announcement.

Neiman's CEO, Karen Katz, is using e-commerce to branch into the International market. Earlier this year NMG acquired a large stake in Glamour Sales Ltd, a privately held e-commerce company based in Hong Kong, with the intent to launch a full price NM China site in 2013. “We are taking this bold step to establish Neiman Marcus Group as an international brand,” said Katz according to The Fashion Reporter. “Our strategic investment in Glamour Sales gives us a tremendous partner and a strong foothold in a rapidly expanding luxury market.” You can see the beginings at neimanmarcus.cn

3. GAP creates global brand management structure

With the start of the 2013 fiscal year, the company will bring together its North American, International, Online, Outlet and Franchise divisions under a single global executive for each of its Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy brands. In addition, to build upon the company’s considerable online success and industry-leading technological advances, the company will form a new Innovation and Digital Strategy team to further its leadership position in this area. [GAP]

The initiative takes omni-channel to a new level. While many retailers are still struggling to align their direct and brick and mortar wings (which originally were built divergent in the catalog and then online era), this move brings together all of Gap channels under one roof, reporting to one executive, for each Gap brand. With critics saying the company solved it's decade old identity crisis this Spring, and a resurgence in the namesake brand sales, it's clear the company wants to optimize on global growth, and sees it done with one voice at the helm.

'Be Bright' catapulted Gap back into the black.

What I've Learned From My Puppy, Part II

2012-11-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

Ride in style.

Don't become 'too' accustomed to nature.

Drive a big red truck.

Wear seasonally appropriate sweaters.

Play a game of now you see me...

now you don't!

Remind yourself of life on the streets…in the comfort of daycare.

Have a prince watch over you as you sleep.

What I've Learned From My Puppy

2012-11-05T13:09:00.000-08:00

I've been a bit blogger absent, and for good reason-- Kiel and I adopted a 6 month old puppy from the Milo Foundation, Crimson. She's taught me a lot about the dog/human world. Here's some of her favorite tips:

Look as cute as possible on the way home from rescue shelter to ensure adoption.

Don't be too picky on the first trip to Petco. Make them think you're "inexpensive" until you're "priceless".

Accept each new treat as a challenge. The more inquisitive you look the more apt you are to get more new ones!

Lure your dad into thinking he's a dog too. It helps with the next one...

Insist from day one on sleeping in the bed.

Learn to kiss and not bite.

You're never too young to learn how to drive.

Take up a prime position at daycare, one where you can adequately rule from your throne.

Find a spot to enjoy the sun, even if you look like a cat.

Pick one toy and stick with it.

Always look cute.

Always sit as close as possible to BOTH your parents.

Take a nap at day care; it's a surefire way to make new friends (with the employee's) and get your photo snapped.

Your perceived size is based on the size of stick you carry!

NM + Target CFDA Holiday Collaboration: My 10 Favorite Picks

2012-10-16T23:16:00.000-07:00

The Neiman Marcus + Target collaboration for Holiday, featuring 24 CFDA American designers' products, debuted today on Good Morning America. Like Marni and Lanvin for H&M and Missoni for Target, this collaboration mixes high and low between an unprecedented two retailers WWD dubbed the odd couple. However, we know lots of ideas start with good intentions, but if the product doesn't live up to the hype is it worth it?

One challenge I saw for both retailers since the announcement earlier this year was the number of designers involved-- 24 cooks in the kitchen. Lanvin, Marni, and Missoni all just had to present their singular vision on products that referenced their DNA. However, Target and NM needed to provide a cohesive collection of gifts that made sense, were desirable, supported by the designers, and most of all sellable.

There's a wide range in the final lineup from accessories to a bicycle, travel gear to cookie cutters, and apparel for kids and adults.

Here's my 10 favorite things:

Alice & Olivia bike $499.99

Alice & Olivia packing sacks, which come with matching luggage (a roller bag) $179.99

Carolina Herrera s/3 travel pouches $39.99

Derek Lam skateboard $99.99

Altuzarra cocktail shaker and s/4 double ol fashion glasses, $49.99

Altuzarra tray $79.99

Marchesa girl's dress $99.99

Oscar de la Renta tote $59.99

Rag and bone shot glasses $19.99

Thom Browne men's jacket $149.99

Spring '13 Shoe Trend: Gladiator Boots

2012-10-15T23:43:00.001-07:00

Strapy, sexy, and sultry, I first noticed gladiator boots in a major way at Tom Ford. He just does things in an overt way-- lets get real-- they're extreme. And I'd love to see the woman who wears them…

Then after going back through the collections, I found gladiator boots at Altuzarra, Acne, and of course Versace.

Welcome to Spring's IT shoe. God knows there's no more room in a woman's closet for a wedge!

Tom Ford.

Altuzarra.

Acne.

Haider Ackerman.

Versace.

Spring '13 Women's RTW Trend: White Out

2012-10-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

After Fall's onslaught of black, most designers took to white as a palate cleanser-- either as a gateway to brighter colors or as 90% of the collection. Traditionally white is a Spring color. Therefore it's not a huge surprise to see it on the runways. However, a collection of Missoni, Marni, and Emilio Pucci -- all known colorful print houses-- focused around white shows a tide turning in fashion. White is the international color of surrender and peace. Perhaps designers are ceding to the uneasy economic market, as opposed to the strong showing of optimistic yellow last Spring. Either way, it's a welcome respite to the dark Fall collections.

Gucci.

Carolina Herrera.

Prabal Gurung.

Marni.

Missoni.

Pucci.

Roberto Cavalli.

Rochas.

Haider Ackerman.

Chanel.

Valentino.

Ellie Saab.

Cottage Chic: J.Crew's Frank Muytjens' Upstate NY Retreat

2012-10-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

J.Crew's menswear director, Frank Muytjens, unplugs at his Upstate New York home, which he's curated into a meticulously maintained cottage. The chic space nails down my whole aesthetic in 600 square feet. It says in pictures what I've never been able to say. It's perfectly rural, a bit eclectic, mixes a base of cool colors and warm rug tones against crisp white walls, and looks effortlessly kept like a models un-perfectly perfect 'bed head' hair-- everything's in the right place but it seems so natural.

The bright living room is lit by an array of coverless windows, while the wide plank floors give it a 20th century cottage feel. I love the unbleached linen sofa, the modern canvas clad chrome chairs, flannel plaid pillows, persian rug, and the touch of masculine floral.

The kitchen reminds me of an old school house. I own the succulent on the right-- I think we're on the right track!

The dining area mixes rough and smooth, as Muytjens calls it. I love the X barn table, the variety of chairs, and jute rug.

A simple basic bedroom. Layers of bedding, another great persian rug, and a vintage fan.

This isn't the entrance, but would match perfectly.

My dream cottage is done. When can I move in?

Spring '13 Women's RTW Trend: Ruffles

2012-10-09T08:25:00.002-07:00

Ruffles made an unexpected comeback in Italy, first at Gucci, and then re-appeared in Paris at Givenchy and Balenciaga. Traditionally codes of the house at Valentino and Lanvin, they were primarily absent this season. Gucci took them on a ride of 70's pop color, while the Parisians stayed within black and white. After only a few years since the last ruffle moment, I hope you followed Bazaar's 'store' advice and can pull these out of the back of your closet.

Gucci.

Balenciaga.

Givenchy.

Chloe.

Spring '13 Women's RTW Trend: Gloss

2012-10-07T23:10:00.002-07:00

Bedazzler banished, the Spring collections brought forth a new form of gloss-- in fabrications with acute shimmer. I consider it the grown up version of bling, as ladies find a new sophistication and ease of dressing. Ranging from shiny silks, to transparent textiles, Dior and Burberry lead the way-- proving gloss is more than just for the lips.

Burberry Porsum.

Dior.

Christian Siriano.

Rochas.

Dries Van Noten.

Celine.

Suno.

Mary Katrantzou.

Alexander McQueen.

Spring '13 Women's RTW Trend: Lightweight Leather

2012-10-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

Lead by Fendi and Hermes -- both luxe textile houses where fur and exotics are expected for Fall-- lightweight leather appeared in everything from jackets to shorts, and dresses to suits. While most designers used it with a soft hand, Heidi at Saint Laurent stood by the more traditional version with leather leggings. However, what made leather new and appealing for Spring were the incarnations of the lighter variety, and the unexpectedness of say royal blue exotic crocodile shorts paired with a soft leather top and a color blocked jacket.

Hermes.

Here's the progression from NY to Paris…

Proenza Schouler.

Donna Karan.

Fendi.

Celine.

Hermes.

Saint Laurent.

Miu Miu.

Spring '13 Women's RTW Trend: The Sheer Factor

2012-10-06T00:28:00.001-07:00

Starting in New York and ending on the runways of Paris, designers played with transparency, exposing femininity where appropriate with sheer fabrications. Most looks were rendered in white, wiping the season clean of Fall's black and last Spring's explosive neons. While some may coil at the fact of revealing too much, it's amazing how ladies feel so much more confident with just a thin layer of silk over their arms. Plus, the trend went from one extreme-- a few barely there numbers at Akris, or in the case of Karl Lagerfeld, a mesh type jumper, woven tight to appear sporty. However applied, this technique wasn't intended to exploit the woman's figure, but rather celebrate it.

Valentino.

Chado.

Donna Karan.

Etro.

Alberta Ferretti.

Celine.

Loewe.

Tom Ford.

Akris.

Chanel.

Alexander McQueen.

Nina Ricci.

Elie Saab.

Louis Vuitton.

Over 250 of Paris, Milan, London, and NY's Most Influential Looks

2012-10-02T22:45:00.001-07:00

Here's just one photo of what represents the best of all of Fashion Month. Click the photo below to go to my Fashion Week Spring '13 board.

Source: style.com via Andrew on Pinterest

What 3 Things I'm Loving About Paris Fashion Week

2012-09-27T09:56:00.001-07:00

Honestly, nothing really blew me away in Milan (you'll notice I didn't produce a single post). There were some interesting prints and lightweight leathers at Fendi, a very chic Pucci collection sans the typical Pucci prints, and some great dresses made of un-conventional fabrics at Bottega. But this morning, only two days into Paris, I'm loving the mixture of floral details and plaid prints at Dries Van Noten (and the casual yet sophisticated sensibility), the clean chic lines of Rochas, and a much softer angled Balenciaga collection that still has the sharpness of a thorn (perhaps inspired by Nicolas' Florabotanica perfume) but with a delicate touch of femininity.

DRIES VAN NOTEN

Such a modern way of dressing. Three unexpected prints that go together perfectly.

A masculine vs. feminine harmony.

Couture like floral details.

A beautiful couture like skirt paired with a simple plaid silk blouse. Very uptown/downtown.

ROCHAS

A tad 'naught nurse' but so clean and chic.

Another easy silhouette but in a textured fabrication. Just noticing how clinical the floor is!

BALENCIAGA

Ruffles at Balenciaga?! Is this a page out of Valentino or Lanvin? However, Nicolas grounds the waves with a cropped geometric jacket.

A very Raf Simmons for Jil Sander 60's couture inspired coat.

The look of a lady, the touch of a thorn.

Laser cut details mixed with a touch of digital-esque top.

I see more greatness on the way this week!!

Hermes Festival des Metiers 2012

2012-09-21T21:00:00.001-07:00

As a child, I remember the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus arriving to Dallas via the railroad, fascinated by the spectacle of rail cars filled with lions, tigers, and elephants! I imagined the "steamer" pulling into town in a cloud of dust, as if they just traveled thousands of miles from Africa-- a truly exotic feat-- here for just a short time before taking their magic on the road again!

Just as the circus (albeit high end), Hermes is taking their craft on the road, showing a select trio of American cities their Festival des Metiers. Designed to acknowledge the artisans and craftsmanship behind the different key Hermes product categories, the festival exposes the skills, time, and artistry it takes to create their sought after bags, scarves, and accessories; aimed at clients new or old and the general public. I had the fortune of touring the exhibit, and photographing the artists in work.

The logo for the festival.

The scene.

Experience the festival in San Francisco's Union Square through September 24th or from October 10-14th in Houston (1800 Post Oak Blvd.), 11-6pm.

The sign at the San Francisco festival.

The tent set-up in Union Square.

Orange bags!!

Cuffs.

We'll start with my favorite part…the creation of an Hermes Collier de Chien (aka CDC) in rose gold with brown diamonds. It takes the same precision as a fine jewelry maker to make this arm candy.

An artisan creating the CDC cuff featured on the place card.

She's applying every diamond by hand to each stud.

The finished product-- Hermes Collier de Chien cuff in 18kt rose gold with brown pave diamonds.

Tabletop.

Hermes owns Saint Louis crystal and Puiforcat flatware, and also produces in-house porcelain dinnerware.

An artist hand painting the gold pattern onto Thistle Gold stemware. The line of glasses represent the process from left to right.

Just painting away!

Accessories.

If you've seen the Devil Wears Prada, you know how important Hermes scarves are to Meryl Streep's character, Miranda Priestly. The scarves serve as a daily accessory for Miranda, with her never wearing the same one twice. She ties them on handbags, around her wrist, neck, and every other way you can think of (I've seen them used as a watch band). Miranda's appetite is so large, her assistants go on frequent scarf runs. There's a scene where Emily Blunt's character gets hit by a car while fetching scarves for Miranda, causing hundreds of orange boxes and scarves to go flying through the air.

Silk scarves are a key category to the Hermes heritage and business model, with new patterns being introduced each year and others retiring.

A scarf maker demonstrating the silk screening process.

A line up of silk scarves, created by the process above.

A tailor sewing ties by hand. An Hermes tie is recognizable by its' geometric print, heavy weight silk, the carriage logo, and hand stitching.

RTW.

To some people, the Hermes ready-to-wear collection may be an afterthought, with their focus on handbags and accessories, the bread and butter of the Hermes business. However, Hermes shows two collections a year for both men and women, revolving around their superior craftsmanship and exotic materials, like alligator motorcycle jackets.

A tailor working on children's clothing.

A tailor applying buttons by hand to mens shirts.

Leather goods.

Hermes is most known for their leather work-- especially the Birkin and Kelley handbags. Here a master leatherworker works on a panel used in the creation of one handbag. A grand finale!

An artisan creating one panel of an Hermes bag.

Hermes calfskin chosen for their quality in a variety of dyed colors.

Defining London Fashion Week: Katrantzou, Erdem, & Pilotto

2012-09-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

London emerged as the digital print epicenter over the past few seasons, gaining several designers international acclaim-- Christopher Kane, Mary Katrantzou, Erdem, Peter Pilotto-- for their electric way of working with prints, texture, and pops of color. However, many wondered if these creators were one print ponies.

Three seasons strong, and influencing fashion from New York to Milan, I feel this group still pushed the boundaries of prints and explored new shapes; like the A-line and strapless option. Plus, it's not so much as just creating a print, but demonstrating a livable aesthetic around the brand's image. I imagine we'll see the work of Mary Katrantzou, Erdem, and Peter Pilotto popping up with success on the retail level, as these are clothes people want to wear. I pulled three of my favorite looks from each designer and posted below. The stage is now set for the Italians in Milan.

Mary Katrantzou.

Erdem.

Peter Pilotto.

Fashion Friday: The 8 Top Collections From #NYFW

2012-09-14T13:49:00.001-07:00

This season I've pinned all my favorite looks to my Fashion Week Spring '13 Collections board. Please take a look for a glimpse at what's relevant, the major themes, colors, and commentary.

For my New York Fashion Week wrap-up, I decided to pick the top eight collections, based on:

their originality
innovation in both textiles and design
modernity of style
consistency of the collection
true to the designers' aesthetics

Here's how the collections rank…

1. Proenza Schouler

2. Thakoon

3. Altuzarra

4. Christian Siriano

5. Helmut Lang

6. Sachin + Babi

7. Zac Posen

8. Carolina Herrera

A's Guide to Pultneyville, NY

2012-09-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of New York Fashion Week, I'd like to share some Upstate NY love. While "the city" and upstate don't necessarily share much besides the fact they're in NY, upstate has an idyllic charm the folks from "the city" seek. Think the Hampton's, on a budget.

In the summer there's sailing on Lake Ontario, small beaches, walks through apple orchards, and cherry picking. Fall equals fly fishing and hunting. I wouldn't recommend a visit during the winter-- lake effect snow, frozen bays, ice fishing-- unless you want to pick up quilting with my Auntie E. Spring brings the cherry blossom festival, the re-launching of vessels after their winter hibernation, and in the old days the re-opening of the local burger and shake place, Orbaker's (now thanks to an indoor addition they stay open year round).

Welcome to Pultneyville, a hamlet in the town of Williamson. Here's a visual tour and some tips for those who make it Upstate.

Salmon Creek flowing past the re-modeled boat house, now home to an art gallery and restaurant.

Chickens and hens, as my Aunt calls them.

Apple orchards abound! Actually in my Aunt and Uncle's backyard.

The walk down to the harbor.

The Pultneyville yacht club. Tre chic.

The site (right next to yacht club) where Frenchmen traded with Indians in 1687. The first colonial settler, "Yankee Bill Waters", called this home in 1804. Also the site of a tiny squeamish in 1812.

Typical architecture of original homes, built with lots of stones! Some homes served as part of the underground railroad during the end of slavery. Visit the Pulneyville historical society for more info.

Lake Ontario.

A "farmers market" on the side of the road. It's on the honor system.

Now that's a big zucchini!

There's a few local excursions I'd recommend:
1. Orbaker's (the place to eat).

Inside Orbaker's, where practically every member of my family worked during the summer. I hear stories of them coming home stinking like grease! Screens over the windows served as the only ventilation.

One of the regions specialties, the red hot. You should also try the white hot. The colors refer to the meat, not spiciness. Red is beef and white, pork. I take it pretty plain, but most people doll em' up with lots of chopped pickles/relish and fried onions.

Orbaker's. The original side on the left, addition on the right (complete with AC).

The sign outside Orbaker's let's you know just how far from home you are. Almost 3,000 miles for me!

2. Pittsford, the place to shop and walk.

Quaint antique shops, quilt stores, restaurants, and walking along the Erie canal.

3. Fairport, the place to eat ice cream!

Moonlight Creamery serves mighty scoops.

This is just the two scoop size (more like four)!

The Fairport bridge raises every half-hour to allow boats to pass.

The Erie canal, traversing through Fairport. I'm told you can rent a boat and travel the lock system from Buffalo to Albany, or all the way down to NYC on the Hudson. An amazing engineering feat, and what help make Upstate NY a trading and manufacturing powerhouse.

Twitpic of the Day: Anna Wintour Smiles @ Victoria Beckham Spring '13

2012-09-09T09:20:00.002-07:00

Hamish Bowles, Anna Wintour and Maria Sharapova checking out the finale of Victoria Beckham's breezy show. #NYFW twitter.com/EricWilsonNYT/…
— Eric Wilson (@EricWilsonNYT) September 9, 2012

Saturday Style: #NYFW Suno & Helmut Lang

2012-09-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

After the first two official days of NYFW, Suno and Helmut Lang lead the fashion pack, showing digital prints, long pants layered under skirts (and everything else), low hems, and the three piece suit. I'm loving the fresh look of these two collections, and the inspiration from Balenciaga and Altuzarra for Helmut Lang to and Mary Katranzou for Suno. A chic, young, street savvy way to dress.

Suno.

Helmut Lang.