season five

will balenciaga bring back the boat shoe?

2009-11-10T22:46:43-08:00

The conversation at Barneys shoe salon went like this:

Me: Oh my gosh. These are the ugliest shoes I've ever seen! Is that a BOAT shoe?!?

Sales Associate: Do you think so? I think they are the coolest shoes we have in this season!

Really? I mean, my preppy brother will be happy because he is still wearing them after all these years. But I think the boat shoe is an example of footwear that should never be resurrected or reinterpreted. At least skip that white part on the bottom - yikes! What do you think? The pair here is from Browns.

gemma ward to quit modeling?

2009-11-10T22:32:37-08:00

According to the Daily Telegraph model Gemma Ward has quit modeling. Weight gain is sighted for the reason - although it is not clear which of these events happened first. Gemma has walked shows for Dior, Prada, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and has represented YSL, Prada, Balenciaga, Lanvin, Hermès, Bulgari, Dior, Jil Sander, Versace and more in ad campaigns. I find it shocking that someone with such an arresting beautiful face and amazing resume would come under such scrutiny. She is 22! Mama's don't let your babies grow up to be models. (via Stylist).

I love mini diptyque candles

2009-11-06T20:45:52-08:00

Diptyque candles are the most fragrant and long lasting candles you can find. I've burned these candles in my home since I first discovered the shop on Rue Saint Germain 11 years ago. I only need to burn the candle one hour to scent my home but still, sixty dollars is a lot of coin for a candle. Diptyque just came out with a mini-sized candle that burns 20 hours for $28. Perfect. My favorite scent is Pomander - a mix of orange, clove and cinnamon. Only at Diptyque boutiques.

for nails: green is the new black

2009-11-06T20:32:23-08:00

OPI "Here Today Aragon Tommorrow" is a dark green that reads black indoors and at night and deep forest green in the daylight. This gorgeous shade is a nice break from the blacks and deep navys I've been wearing this year. Find it at Buy.com

on beauty and attribution

2009-11-04T21:52:34-08:00

Check out Style.com's Fall 2009 Beauty Guide - lots of good stuff, especially Lipstick Queen's blood red lip tint. What is really interesting is the attribution. Did Style.com always have a "recommended by" statement in their fashion and beauty guides? I don't recall seeing it before. Did the recent FTC's new guidelines persuade them to do it? The times they are a' changing. I love Style.com and trust them to curate the best products and fashion. But let's face it - the brand that has the best PR person wins - they get the product in the right hands and the right people write about it and influence people to want it and buy it. This is what makes a "cult favorite." FTC involvement or not - I don't see this changing. Photo from Style.com

cozy up in a fur cardigan

2009-11-04T21:17:54-08:00

Fall 2009 is all wrapped up in cozy luxe dressing. Fur is a major trend this season. Add just a touch of vintage appeal to your look with a fur collared cardigan. These cozy cardis can be dressed up or down. You can create a look that is sweet and demure or infused with a downtown urban edge. Fur collared cardigans are available in long and belted to short and cropped styles. Many of the collars are detachable, but be sure to remove the fur before washing or dry cleaning.

Distinctly vintage and feminine, Bryan Bradley’s Cropped Cardigan, (upper left, $178 at NeimanMarcus.com) is pretty in pink with a brown natural rabbit collar. The pink cardigan is knit of a silk/cashmere blend and three-quarter sleeves. Juicy Couture’s Faux-fur Trimmed Wool Cardigan, (right, $280 at Net-a-Porter) is a long belted cardigan. I especially love the puff shoulders which adds a modern twist to this self-belted style. Knit of 100% grey lambswool the sweater fastens with a concealed press-stud fastener at the front. Perfect for stylish recessionistas is a fantastic buy from Target. The Merona Fur-Collar Cardigan (middle left, $18.74) is a cotton/rayon blend with a faux fur collar. This button down style has a tie waist and the collar can be removed. Lastly, from Urban Outfitters is a cropped style featuring a curved single button front and a v-neck faux fur collar. The “Ecote” Cardigan (bottom left, $68 at Urban Outfitters) is a cotton acrylic blend and would pair nicely with a pair of your favorite jeans for a weekend casual look.

Save at Juicy Couture with coupons from TheFind.com’s coupon site.

This is a geust post from my friends at thefind.com

my five favorite fashion apps

2009-11-03T17:44:29-08:00

Chanel: This is my favorite fashion app. I think what I love most is how this old and established fashion house successfully maintains relevancy and the Chanel App is testament to that. Chanel was one of the first fashion houses to podcast fashion shows – and the shows are amazing! The news feature has “Karl’s Notes,” which includes behind the scenes looks at fashion shoots and exclusive features like ongoing episodes that give a glimpse into Coco Chanel’s apartment.

Gucci: Gucci’s App has all the standard stuff like product news, and behind the scene’s looks at what goes into making a collection. What I really love about the app is Gucci Beats with loops, beats, drums, and vocals compiled by music producer Mark Ronson. You can create a beat and then scratch it on a virtual turntable like a DJ and then share it on Facebook. The app features a selection of music from the Gucci Music Channel: a continuous three-hour stream of music. There is also a continuously updated Little Black Book feature where you learn about the best restaurants, clubs, bars and hotels in 33 cities worldwide.

Style.com: Style.com has the most complete coverage of the shows and they are all here. The slideshows are the best on the web and mobile.

New York Times: I get most of my New York Times fashion fix on Sunday. But Thursday Styles is not to be missed either and I get it on it on the Fashion & Style section of this the New York Times App.

StyleCaster: The best thing about the website is the news feature and it is even better on the app. The organization is very clean – and it has excellent fashion and pop culture coverage.

I also love:

My Little Paris: Love the website, love the app. The My Little Paris App covers what’s new and happening in Paris like secret boutiques and inventive restaurants in the city of light and latest trends. The website has an English version – the app is French seulement. This is a bonus. I need to brush up and what better way to do so than by reading about fashion, restaurants and boutiques, just a few of the reasons I return to this city every chance I get.

French Word of the Day: This app delivers a daily French word with English translation and a sample sentence showing the usage of the new word.

24/7 French LE: This app offers French vocabulary tutorials in a flash card format. What I love most is that it does not require a connection. Perfect for the metro! Find it on itunes

punch it up with the perfect poncho

2009-11-01T22:18:32-08:00

Ponchos are making an appearance again this fall in the form of chunky knits. Think handmade, warm and cozy. Many are a fusion of sweater and poncho that button up the front, making them easier to layer. You’ll see hoods, pockets and zippers as added features as well. Look for all wool styles made with thick yarns and lots of texture in the knitted design. Or try a lighter poncho on for size; it is more like a wrap and much more fluid than chunkier styles. Go for a neutral like gray or brown that can be paired with a variety of items in your wardrobe.

On the chunkier side, from Haute Hippie is the Chunky Wool Poncho (top left, $495.00 at Nordstrom.com) with classic overtones and a cable-knit design. It has a full zip-front closure, pockets to keep your hands warm and a slouchy hood at the back. From Stella McCartney is a pricey and luxe Zip-Front Boucle Poncho (top right, $1,685 at Neiman Marcus) with oversized buttons button as an accent on the cape sleeves. The poncho is an Alpaca/linen/polyamide/wool blend and made in Italy. Helmut Lang has also done a version, all in a minimalist style of course! Helmut Lang Knit Poncho (bottom right, $260 at Saks.com) is an alpaca/merino/polyamide blend and is super soft as well as warm. This poncho also features a generous hood. From Elizabeth and James is the Olivia Poncho, (bottom left, $545 at Shopbop.com) made of moleskin this is the perfect piece for layering. Pair with a cozy cashmere turtleneck and jeans for a luxe weekend casual look.

Save with Coupon Codes from Shopbop from TheFind.com’s new coupon site.

This is a geust post from my friends at thefind.com

welcome to the hotel missoni

2009-10-27T05:00:00-07:00

The Ritz is where I will retire myself when I am old and gray and wish to spend my twilight years in quiet luxury. That said, at this moment I'm young and I want to stay at the loud, overstated Missoni Hotel in Edinburgh,UK and have a good time. The first of a proposed chain of hotels, the six-story building is dressed head-to-toe in signature Missoni patterns and bold colors. The hotel also brings in the design sensibility of Marcel Sandes, Eero Saarinen, Arne Jacobson and Hans Wegner. Rooms start at $355 a night.(via Cyana.Trend.Land)

mad for plaid

2009-10-21T20:11:01-07:00

This fall brings the English countryside as inspiration for cool weather dressing. Escape the hustle and bustle of urban living with some natty traditional plaids with a modern twist. Think hounds tooth checks, buffalo plaids, and large complex Scotch plaids. Made of natural fibers such as wool and cotton the updated plaid looks best when paired with sleek body hugging denim and fierce heels. Look for plaid jackets, dresses, and even capes for covering up. Elizabeth and James features some of the best plaid blouses adorned with their signature casual yet sophisticated style. Take your new look with you to the country for a tranquil retreat or don the plaid with boyfriend jeans for a casual look in town.

As seen on the Fall ‘09 runways, the Marc By Marc Jacobs “Abbey” Plaid Dress (upper left, $458 at Bloomingdales.com) is a twist on the traditional. The pure wool mini dress tunic has a drop waist, cowl neck, two front pockets and banded sleeves. The Fei Polaire Vest (top middle, $118 at Anthropologie.com) is a pretty and dramatic corset-style top with a flared peplum. This vest would pair nicely with a slim pencil skirt and platform pumps. From Smythe, a wool-blend jacket (top right, $525 at Net-a-Porter) Pair Smythe’s blue tweed plaid jacket over a tank and skinny jeans for a dose of English countryside eccentricity. From Ann Taylor Loft, a sweeping and dramatic Brushed Plaid Cape (Bottom right, $148 at Ann Taylor Loft). This classic double-breasted cape is lined, has a banded collar with button closure. From Elizabeth and James (Bottom left, $245 at Net-a-Porter) a gray and cream cotton-blend plaid shirt with a distressed finish, button front and two patch pockets. Pair this wardrobe staple with your favorite pair of jeans and fiercest boots for a cool downtown look.

Save with Coupon Codes from Bloomingdales.com TheFind.com’s new coupon site.

This is a geust post from my friends at thefind.com.

designer spotlight: ralston handbags

2009-10-20T05:00:00-07:00

Handbag designer Paige Ralston Fromer has worn many hats throughout her career including Washington DC television anchor, which is how I came to know her more than a decade ago (my then-roommate was a producer at the same station). She recently launched a new luxury handbag line, Ralston Handbags, to critical acclaim in the DC area. Having grown up there, it is hard to imagine this city as a hot bed for fashion and new designers. Trust me, this city has changed. First with amazing boutiques, like Hu’s Shoes and Relish, and then with the inauguration of our first lady, Michelle Obama. (She wears Maison Margiela, enough said). The launch of Ralston Handbags is testament to this city’s style transformation. The handbag collection, carefully designed by Ralston Fromer’s team of talented Argentine designers, includes 13 designs made of exquisite, lightweight leather. Popular styles include the hand woven “Luz” and the very classic (and DC appropriate) oversized “Raquel”. My favorite is the “Cindy” in giraffe print – because it suits my (slightly wild) acquired San Francisco fashion personality. Check out the entire line at www.ralstonhandbags.com.

isabel marant gives me another reason to plan a quick trip to NYC

2009-10-15T05:00:00-07:00

It is official! Designer Isabel Marant will open her first US store in Manhattan at 55 Green Street on the corner of Broome Street in February 2010. The store will carry Isabel Marant, Etoile, accessories and jewels. Like the Left Bank Paris Store, Marant’s husband, accessories designer Jérôme Dreyfuss, will have a adjoining space for his beautiful handbag collection. Isabel Marant's neigbbors include Top Shop at Broadway and Broome. Roadtrip! Photo Style.com

DVF returns to russian roots for first retrospective

2009-10-14T21:25:53-07:00

50 dresses, personal artifacts and original works by Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente and Horst will be assembled in Moscow later this month for Diane von Furstenberg’s first major retrospective. Curated by Vogue’s André Leon Talley, the exhibit is slated to run through Nov. 21 at the Manezh exhibition hall near Red Square. The exhibition will group the designer's fashions thematically under the categories “American Dream,” “Studio 54,” “Luxe” and “Empowerment,” echoing stages in the designer’s life. Von Furstenberg characterized the retrospective as a homecoming of sorts, as her father was born in Russia, immigrating to Belgium in 1929. (via WWD)

plouf! parisian puddle jumpers from aigle

2009-10-14T21:15:08-07:00

Yes, I’m a fan of Hunter Wellie rain boots, but they seem to be growing in popularity and are showing up on well-dressed feet all round town. I am looking for a new pair of unique rain boots and found Aigle rain boots that are made in France. Mais oui! These boots are a bit more fitted and I love the riding boot style that is made completely of rubber. A lovely boot to throw on with leggings and an over-sized chunky knit sweater when I’m running out the door in a hurry. These boots are tailored and becoming every bit as fashionable as the Hunter wellies. These boots are from Aigle, which provides outdoor gear to French sportsmen, equestrians and those who visit the countryside for pleasure. Yes, these are the real deal and are perfect for urbanites looking for a waterproof and comfortable city rain boot.

Retailers including Martin + Osa and J. Crew now carry Aigle boots. On the upper left is the Aigle Start Riding Boot ($103.20 was $129.00 at Martin and Osa), a lovely plain black riding boot that is a perfect reproduction of their leather counterparts. On the model are a pair of violet Burberry rain boots (upper right, $195 at Net-a-Porter) to show you how utterly fab skinny jeans look tucked into tall rain boots. On the bottom row far left is the Aigle Women’s Bergen lace up rain boot ($207.95 at Shoebuy.com). I love the lace up fronts, which makes tucking in your jeans easier and ensuring an extra snug fit. Again in the riding boot style these two-toned Aigle Jumping Rubber Boots ( bottom row middle, $199.99 at saddlesource.com) look like traditional dressage riding boots if you are looking for the Bon chic, bon genre aka French preppy style. Lastly is the two-toned Aigle Women’s Rubber Boot in Brown, ($149.00 at studentmarket.com). I love the two-toned texture of this one, a nice alternative to an all black boot, would look chic and sporty paired with tweed and a chunky cashmere sweater.

Save on your purchases with Coupon Codes from J. Crew from TheFind.com’s new coupon site.

This is a geust post from my friends at thefind.com

spring 2010: vanessa bruno

2009-10-09T05:00:00-07:00

My three favorite designers are Stella McCartney, Isabel Marant and Vanessa Bruno -- if you've read my blog before this is not new news. Balenciaga, Balmain and Givenchy are also favorites, but I have no occasion to wear these clothes, never mind afford them. I have Stella, Isabel Marant and Vanessa Bruno pieces (more than a few) that rival the price points of the super expensive designers, but I can wear them. The key is I wear them - to client meetings, out to dinner, for happy hour, events at my daughter's school and working at home as a marketing consultant - I wear them to death. I love Vanessa Bruno's spring 2010 collection! I'll pair the little jackets, gauzy dresses and Victorian tops with jeans, flats, boots, etc. I'll wear them often and for a long time. As always, she showed a beautiful collection. (photos style.com)

spring 2010: isabel marant

2009-10-08T05:00:00-07:00

How to describe Isabel Marant - Paris city girl, boho, chic? All of it - and it is a formula she repeats year after year. That said, I'm no where near tired of it. I took an inventory of my clothes this season and my Isabel Marant pieces - even those from many years ago - don't get tired. They always feel cool and current. I love the jackets, little dresses, sweatshirts, t-shirts and boots. Just not together! (photo style.com)

drink champagne out of this shoe

2009-10-08T05:00:00-07:00

How cool! Christian Louboutin partners with Piper Heidsieck for "Le Ritual," a limited edition bottle of champagne that comes with a glass shoe designed by Louboutin. Available exclusively at Colette starting October 26th. (via Cyana Trendland)

warm up with fur embellished winter boots

2009-10-07T16:22:53-07:00

After making an appearance on the runway at Marc by Marc Jacobs, the fur boot is back. You may recall the mukluk trend from a few seasons ago. Yes, it’s back and it is part of the larger fur trend we are seeing on faux fur vests in particular as well as handbags. So it make sense, but not sure if I am ready to embrace furry winter boots again this year. What do you think of these fur festooned boots? Will you buy them this winter?

The style seen on the runway for fall 2009 is the Marc by Marc Jacobs Faux-fur lace-up boot (bottom right, $350 at Net-a-Porter). A completely fur covered boot this will keep your toes nice and toasty during the snowiest of days or perhaps on the slopes aprè ski? The gray faux-fur-embellished boots feature black canvas criss-cross laces at the front, silver-tone eyelets and a black rubber sole to prevent slippage on snowy urban sidewalks or while relaxing in the ski lodge. Another style is Givenchy’s Fur-Front Ankle Boot, (top right, $1150 at Saks.com) and obviously not too appropriate for snowy streets, but perhaps a snow-free night out on the town. These rabbit fur embellished booties with a stacked heel will look perfect with black leggings or skinny jeans. From down under Australia Luxe Collective’s Nordic Angel Fur Boot, (middle bottom, $410.00 at Neiman Marcus.com) is a pimped out version of the classic shearling boot. This sheepskin boot would work in snowy surroundings as well as the sunny shores of California. The 16″ tall boots features black double-faced sheepskin and natural rabbit fur trim. As well as a signature logo plate on the back. Ralph Lauren Collection’s Willa Suede Boots, (bottom left, $695 at Saks.com) are tall suede platform boots lined with shearling and a faux fur cuff at the top. More fashion than function these tall boots would work well with skinny jeans tucked in and perhaps a faux fur vest to complete your ensemble.

Save on your purchases with Coupon Codes from Zappos from TheFind.com’s new coupon site

This is a geust post from my friends at thefind.com

street style: paris fashion week

2009-10-07T05:00:00-07:00

I love Tommy Ton's street style photos for style.com. He gives a different fashion perspective than the sartorialist (note: not better, different). His photos of women in Paris during fashion week are amazing. Check them out at style.com.

spring 2010: why everyone loves stella mccartney

2009-10-06T05:00:00-07:00

The reviews for Stella McCartney's Spring 2010 collection are in and they appear to be unanimously positive. Although there were plenty of standouts, Stella's spring collection was far less assertive than fall. There were neutrals, a Stella staple, but also vibrant colors like royal blue, fuchsia and orange. "Classic Stella" pieces were evident throughout in the oversized blazers, little dresses and masculine/feminine combinations, but she gave them a fresh spin this season through feminine tailoring and touches like ruffles. Skinny leg pants were notably absent but there were plenty of things one could wear with them. A few vintage-feeling denim pieces including a jumper, a short skirt and maxi-skirt added to the subtle seventies vibe of the show. I've been wearing Stella since her Chloe days and I love how over the years she has shown so many different sides of her design personality while staying true to her overall aesthetic - designing clothes that woman will want to wear over and over again. (photos style.com)

gareth pugh apple covers and cases

2009-10-06T05:00:00-07:00

I can finally own a designer piece of Gareth Pugh! AnOther Magazine is offering a cool, limited edition Gareth Pugh-designed iPhone cover and MacBook Sleeve. They run for around $125 and $87 and will also be available soon at Colette. (via Refinery29)

alexander wang, lanvin top international designers

2009-10-05T08:24:17-07:00

What’s the hottest international designer brand right now? According to a survey of Japanese retailers just published by The Senken newspaper and being handed out at the Paris shows, it’s Alexander Wang, who scored double the votes of runner-up Givenchy. Rounding out the top 10 were, in the following order, Balmain, Undercover, Prada, Dries Van Noten, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Comme des Garçons and Yves Saint Laurent. Meanwhile, French buyers polled by Le Journal du Textile had Lanvin first, Balenciaga second and Dries Van Noten third. (via WWD) (photo style.com)

rihanna has the paris look

2009-10-02T21:16:01-07:00

I love this picture of Rihanna stepping outside a Paris cafe. It stuck me as funny because I've been seated in Paris cafes when a mega celebrity walks by and nobody looks! Once at the Cafe Parisien on the Left Bank Johnny Depp walked in and nobody batted an eye. I did, of course, but only because I was losing oxygen. The look on Rihanna's face says "that's right, made you look." (via People)

glamour shoots plus-sized models in the buff

2009-10-02T13:42:04-07:00

Following up on the much-talked-about picture of a plus-sized model flashing belly fat in in a recent issue, Glamour magazine's November issue will feature a photo spread of plus-sized models posing nude. The models are Crystal Renn, Lizzie Miller, Amy Lemons, Ashley Graham, Kate Dillon, Anansa Sims and Jennie Runk. (via StyleList)

spring 2010: balenciaga

2009-10-02T05:00:00-07:00

Balenciaga is on my short list of favorite designers, however in seasons past he has produced few items I can actually wear in my life. Sure there are the occasional leather jackets (love!) and cool skinny black trousers, but also a lot of architectural dresses. I just can't justify plunking down three grand for a dress I'd wear only once, if ever (I'm practical that way). For Spring 2010, Balenciaga shows chic, edgy futuristic designs that I can easily see incorporated into my wardrobe. The shapes, the cut outs, the techno fabrics, the amazing footwear - I really loved it all. Check out the collection at Style.com