Fashionable Tendencies

Moving Day

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:17:00 PDT

Please be advised that I have moved this site to the following location. Click on the link to be redirected:

http://miamiolivia.com

Dior You

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 08:49:00 PDT

Dior You by Miami Olivia featuring coral jewelry

What to get Mom for Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:22:00 PDT

You know what it's like, every year Mother's Day comes and you want to get something special for your mom. She's the one that cheered you on through life, driving you to endless lessons, wiping away tears and making all those dinners. Now it's time to remind her how much all that meant to you. At a recent Accessories Council event in New York City, several bloggers got together to have an evening out while they were shown a parade of the Top Picks for mom. They took away many ideas for Mother's Day gifts and a swag bag of Mother's Day Goodies.

First off there were wine and cookies. How much better can it get? The scrumptious cookies, baked from the Rouge Tomate NYC Kitchens, were artfully packaged and subsequently gobbled up. Sorry, Mom. But this is a fantastic place when you are in New York City to take her out for a luscious lunch or divine dinner. The Bass is highly recommended! The Chocolate Sphere is to-die-for!

Next was an adorable silver bracelet by jewelry designer Pamela Fink. She uses real gem stone made beads and silver for a beautiful addition to mom's wrist. Pamela's influences are from Southeast Asia, Indonesia particularly Bali. Because of the rich culture she decided to call her company Good Charma and predicts positive energy to all who wear the delicate jewelry. The bracelets can be found at Bloomingdales jewelry counter.

Speaking of jewelry, Judith Jack, designer of powerful statement jewelry showed us her faceted blue pendant with mother of pearl back that could be worn short and doubled or long. It really was four pendants in one. Versatile and drop dead gorgeous, this is perfect for the glamor mom in your life.

Who doesn't love a little Nine West in their life? Especially when it speaks to the tigress in your mom. This tote will hold all the essentials for the beach in style! Roomy and cushy, grab a towel, sunscreen and maybe a pair of fabulous sunglasses from Michael Kors. This is a pair of super gifts that mom would love all the way to the beach. Available at Macy's for Spring. Perfect.

Oohs and audible Ahs rippled around the room as the beautiful Givenchy Nox necklace was presented. There isn't a woman alive that doesn't love a little sparkle to light up her evening. This crystal statement necklace, available from Macy's and Dillards, will look exquisite on mom for those time when she wants to be a princess.

Maybe your mom is a non-stop, always on the go. Maybe she loves to change up her look in her busy day. But maybe she doesn't have time. A watch is the perfect gift. These watches from Noon Copenhagen may just be the thing. Kolor is the style with the pizazz. Animal print, color pops, even Flower Power, all you have to do is pick one. Faces change with the time for added fun. Just check them out from Skymall or Noon Copenhagen.

Whether your mom is a true beach lover, an urban fashionista, or a Kentucky Derby gal, this Dorfman Pacific Hat was the best gift of all. Crushable, packable, posable, shapeable, and totally wearable, one of these hats will be her favorite gift. They come in a rainbow of colors the choice might just have to be more than one!

April Showers Bring May Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 11:24:00 PDT

Since May is the month of flowers and it is nearly here, this seems a good time to pick a bunch of floral inspiration to get you ready for petal soft days of sunshine. Everything available at any major department store worth its weight in Flowers!

Alice and Olivia Dress

Coach Poppy Wristlet

Love Moschino

Nine West Packable Sun Hat

Juicy Couture Daydreamer Duffle

Phoebe Couture Maxi Dress

Two Words: Cute Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 09:29:00 PDT

Big Girls, Little Girls, Glamor Girls, Fluffy Girls, Over-the-Top Girly Girls, Cheetah Girls, Famous Girls, Cool Chic Girls. There is nothing so exhilarating as a new pair of shoes to make a girl feel marvelous!

New York Fashion Week

New York Starbucks

Glitter

South Beach

Miu Miu

Miami

New York

Beverly Hills

West Hollywood

Prada

Even Tiny Girls love shoes

Paradise

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:14:00 PDT

Paradise by Miami Olivia featuring peep toe shoes

Paradise is where you make it

The Nudist Colony

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:55:00 PDT

Who knew joining a Nudist Colony would be so Glamorous? Designers went all blush and cover for Spring 2011. Mix nude with a creamy complexion and a dash of innocence and join the Nude Revolution! Even beauty experts and newcomers to the group have given their blessing to the subtle shade for a dewy, just kissed look. From dresses to handbags, shoes to booties, wallets to statement necklaces and even gloves, all the designers drank a little from the Nude Kool-aid this Spring . So, go ahead show a little skin and indulge, you know you always wanted to do it in the buff. And you thought nudists had no fashion sense!

Giuseppe Zanotti Wedding Sandal

Carlos Miele SS2011 Dress and Longchamp Clutch

Jerome Dreyfuss wallet and Nicholas Kirkwood Bootie

Chanel Nails Burberry Eyes Bobbi Brown Lips

Cerutti SS2011 Dress and Pollini Bootie

Nina Ricci Gloves and Nancy Gonzalez Handbag

Emporio Armani Necklace

City Slicker Yellow

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:41:00 PDT

Lots of things are YELLOW: sunshine, rain slickers, rubber duckies, tulips, daffodils, bananas, and lemon pies. Some things that aren't normally yellow have gotten that way over time because someone saw the chance for joy; submarines, brick roads, true love's hair, candy peeps. All of them bring to mind sunny smiles and perfect days. So it is no wonder the fashion crowd plays upon our weather worn-out winter blues with teases and tickles of yellow in advertising, sales, even shop window merchandising. The funny thing is no one ever complains about the happy, "It's Gonna be a Bright, Sunshiny Day" color!

Longchamp Gatsby Handbag

Hunter Laceup Knee Wellies

Kate Spade Date Ring

Kate Spade Valerie Jacket Tory Burch Satchel

Betsey Johnson Let's Polka Swimsuit

Hermes Bangle

Manolo Blahnik Bow-Toe d'Orsay MK Michael Kors Silicone Watch

H & M Cotton Dress

MK Michael Kors Belt

Cole Haan Riley Cross Body Handbag

Dannijo Stingray Cuff

DKNY Hooded Jacket

J. Crew Fall 2011

Burberry Umbrella

Your Checkered Past

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:22:00 PDT

So you thought you could hide it? All this clandestine tucking into linings and hiding in accessories, but you have been caught red handed and it turns out you’re not alone. Not only has your Checkered Past found you out but Spring 2011 has designers raining down oodles of little squares. So, make your list and check off all your faves. This Spring trend isn’t checking out any time soon!

Moschino

D&G

Moschino Cheap and Chic

Gareth Pugh Betsey Johnson

Red Label Vivienne Westwood

D&G Moschino Cheap and Chic

Tommy Hilfiger

Clutch Me to Your Heart

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:34:00 PDT

Jason Wu

Oh, the love affair we all have with our handbags. It goes beyond what men can either provide or understand. Our handbag not only carries our life in a small useful pouch, it says so much about us. Like the expression in our eyebrows during a conversation with others (or ourselves), it is that dashing cross to our T's and dot to our I's. So, the question is: What do we do with this new found love of the "clutch" bag that is starting, like a quiet riot, to take over the fashion world. Every major designer has infused their collections with the slippery little things. Slippery, because they are not only tricky to hold when, say you have a shuffle of papers (or a champagne glass, darling) to also hang onto. And slippery as well because does one want to invest all that wonderful lolly on something that could pass like a summer breeze and land in the back of one's already cluttered closet. Oh, they have always been with us in a small way.

Chloe

Evening demands a clutch so as not to overpower our glamorous gowns or cheeky cocktail frocks, albeit, the best ones always had a shoulder chain strap. But this is something beyond all that. today's clutch is firmly tucked under the arm so as to become part of the ensemble. Clutches are making a real stand as a statement piece and and demanding not only our attention but that of how we will be conducting the business of being us. PS: iPad cases work too!

Burberry

Coach

Dior

Bvlgari

Bally

Diane Von Furstenberg

Izzi Bag

Hermes

Chanel Fun for a Spring Day

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 06:06:00 PDT

created by Peter Phillips for Chanel Makeup Studio

Just a Touch of Green for Luck!

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 07:44:00 PDT

It's a Love/Hate relationship we have with GREEN

Here's a few to Love

Charles Chan-Lima (Neiman Marcus) & Jill Sander Wristlet

Tiffany Paloma Picasso Ring & Meredith Wendell Bag

Milly Dress & Swatch Animal Writstwatch

Cole Haan 'Violet' Pump

Coach Wallet, Green Tourmaline Diamond Tiffany Earrings, & Lily Pulitzer Sundress

Tiffany 'Bracelet' Bag & Tod's Clogs

French Chic - Lanvin

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 16:47:00 PDT

French Chic - Lanvin by Miami Olivia featuring a blue hat

Lanvin Paris RTW, jewelry, shoes, and fragrance in a Chic Spring Set.

Lela Rose Fall 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:53:00 PST

Sometimes a trip to the museum can turn into the most creative experience, at least it did for Lela Rose. Inspired by a Gerhard Richter exhibit at Chicago's Art Institute, Lela Rose isn't going to let Winter spoil her love affair with color. Her "paint-scraped" color marred and blurred plaids on the diaphanous fabric with filmy printed overlay, just enough to give them a decided "Art Studio" je ne sais quoi. All that was missing was the smell of oils, a few gilt frames and a manically mad artist. This Designer of the moment makes clothes that we want to buy and uptown/downtown live in. The fluffy little knit skirts flecked with sparkle and sheers over metallics spell: "Night On the Town", while the artist palette prints, poplin jackets, and funky knee socks keep us grounded while we do the daily Nine-to-Five's. Delightful and generous, each place had a bag full of goodies and the designer's own homemade cookies making this a double treat to attend.

Lela Rose

Garuda - Toni Francesc Fall 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:30:00 PST

The program says 'Every 500 years a breathtaking eagle-sized bird with red plumage burns in its own flames only to rise from its ashes: Phoenix."
Using the element of fire and all the colors it involves from intense golds to ash gray & blacks, Toni did not disappoint his loyal fans. Silky wools in combination with satin day dresses that touch the female form in all the right places, cozy wool capes and jackets cut 3/4 sleeve then paired with leather elbow gloves, russet gowns that seemed to flow like molten lava; these were the elements of his fire. Every look was nipped at the waist and broadened at the shoulders to emphasize the the Phoenix rising. Of particular delight was an asymmetrical gray wool coat that begged to be worn on a chilly fall night in the city. The wonderfully exuberant designer took his bow to loud applause and ran full tilt the length of the runway, his massive hair streaming behind, seemingly on to another collection, before the elusive dream should disappear.

Please be Nice to Me!

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:07:00 PST

The drive along the sweeping arm of the French Riviera has burned itself into my brain with indelible colors, awash like an artist's palette, of the Mediterranean Sea. We drove on to Nice with it's breathtaking cliff views. The port was as full of huge sailboats and Super-Yachts as a French bakery is of baguettes. We parked at the harbor (only possible because of off-season) and had a lovely time wandering the narrow ancient streets. The buildings were such lovely pastel colors with contrasting shutters, many with wash hung out to dry.

I bought a creamy peach colored scarf, talking the girl down to 5€ with such pride. It went with my grey and peach outfit. My Michael Kors sandals have held up wonderfully. We actually walked up the hill to the Point of Monument aux Morts and then down to the rocky shore. I took those sandals off so I could put my feet in the Mediterranean.

We crossed the street to the Old City where we wandered around about six centuries back in history. I bought some lavender soap. Circling the old city and Le Château de Nice, we returned back at the harbor passing people lunching in view of that amazing waterfront.

We drove along the winding coast and finally on to Monaco and Monte Carlo. The view from the cliffs over the sea were dazzling with the bright sun and the azure sea. In Monte Carlo, where it is all diamonds and Ferraris, we tried our luck at the casino where I ran the slots for half an hour. I only spent 10€ but because I kept winning, we were there for a while. It was fun. Our friends had gone into the cafe and ordered lunch. We joined them, but I only wanted dessert and tea, still being full from that amazing Cannes breakfast. I wandered around looking for something luxe to buy but I really couldn't find anything small. Finally, we found some gorgeous shops I hadn't seen right on the shoreline. We ended up in Gucci where I chose a tiny Gucci coin purse. Not exactly French, but then, Monaco is not exactly French either!

From that vantage point, I took a few more photos in the late afternoon light of the palace, the fabulous buildings, the lemons heavy on the trees and that beautiful blue sea. It was getting late so we left Monaco and drove along the cliffs into Italy. The terrain immediately changed to thousands of terraced gardens filling the hills the down to the sea. A testament to the industry of Italian gardening. We followed the coast until it got dark and finally turned north when we were nearly in Genoa, Italy. Of course later, at one of the famous petrol stations, we bought a stick of salami, Italian cookies, a 2007 bottle of local Amerone wine, and the most delicious espresso I had the entire trip! It was a long dark drive all the way back to Switzerland but we saw glimpses of the Italian Alps and the gorgeous dramatically lit churches on the steep hillsides before it dark settled in. But I can safely say, I left my heart at the edge of the French Riviera Sea.

From the French Riviera with Love

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 09:04:00 PST

The Carlton Intercontinental, Cannes

Leaving St. Tropez we drove to Cannes for our night stay. Driving right past the

Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière where the famed Cannes Film Festival takes place, on boulevard de La Croisette it was difficult to hold back the excitement. Stopping in front of the gorgeous Carlton Hotel with it's yellow stripe awnings and ornate windows, a man with an accordion could be heard playing romantic music in the street. It was magical. After the royal treatment from the valet we walked into the sumptuous lobby was filled with light and flowers. There was even a lemon cube topiary and vases of white & yellow flowers attached to the columns in honor of Spring.

The columns marched into a deliciously navy velvet chaired tea room where people were having drinks and tea. If there is heaven, could this please be it? Up we swept to the 2nd floor and our rooms, which were also yellow & white with ornate cornice moldings and arched windows. We freshened up and went out in the dark to wander the lovely streets of Cannes, mostly deserted but with just enough people to make it fun. We walked along the boardwalk and heard the hiss of the gentle waves. Tiny lights could be seen in the distance along the French Riveria. After skirting our section of the town and taking photos on the famous Theater's steps, we found a French cafe to eat a late supper. I chose a Salad Niçoise and a trio of sorbets for dessert. I took my longed for bath on the French Riviera and was totally in heaven. Our beds were all made up by a busy, bustling French madame maid in bright red glasses, which was funny but the bedding was so incredibly luxurious that we sunk into blissful, grateful sleep!

We awoke to sparkling sunshine on a very blue Mediterranean sea. Taking the grand staircase down to the breakfast room, a lovely sun-filled room overlooking the gardens and the sea, a giant French buffet awaited. The food was amazing. Tables groaning with anything you could want to eat. The bread table had piles of croissants, corn cakes, 3 kinds of tiny donuts, baguettes, toasts, apple tarts, honey, fruit and chocolate breads. Macrons, Madelines, lemon cookies, crepes, and jams: blue, strawberry, raspberry, marmalades, even rose. Then there were hot foods, organic foods, a refrigerated case of meats & cheeses, yogurts. There was a table piled with cut and fresh fruits. The juice table had mimosas, orange, apple, carrot, grapefruit, and apple. They brought you coffees and tea in the most precious little cups.

The cutest little French child was playing under the big bread table, she had silver Gucci baby shoes on. Reluctantly we gathered our things and left that wonderful hotel. I am afraid that it has planted a seed for my heart of my next home. Sigh, yes, I could live there, oui.

Let These Boys Show You How It's Done

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 06:55:00 PST

DOLCE & GABBANA

KYLIE MINOGUE

THE LITTLE PRINCESS

To the Sea, St. Tropez? Yes, to the Sea!

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:15:00 PST

You've heard the lavender scented stories, they're all true. At Aix en Provence, we walked all over the village center. This is Cezanne-land where even the streets pay homage to the great artist. Being a Sunday, most things were closed, but Sunday markets lined the streets and filled little squares, each with their corresponding fountains.

We wandered through one said flower market and then went down one main thorough fair to a more artisan type market. I bought some typical Provence fabric napkins for gifts. We stopped for un caffe in a velvet cushioned cafe with accompanying umbrellas, well kitted out with heaters. There is nothing lovelier.

Hopping back into the car we drove on toward the sea. One the way, the low lying hills were full of grape vines, dormant, of course, and their corresponding chateaux. At St. Tropez we located parking and meandered through the tiny streets full of multi colored shuttered windows, to the sea. What a sight!

Huge yachts were docked right up to the edge of the piers. We quickly found Cafe de Paris and were going to have lunch outside but a breeze drove us in. We got a window table in a lively, fabulously lavish restaurant, full of banquettes, crystal chandeliers and wealthy beautiful people in expensive jeans, fur vests and designer sunglasses. It was all shrimp scampi dish and chocolate pot of fondue with fruits. It felt fabulous to rub shoulders with the French Top Coats, even if their children, dressed head to toe in Gucci, smuggled (and rode) tiny scooters in the restaurant. Pained but patient waiters bustled in and out and the hook not only was cast, but I was totally caught. St. Tropez is heaven, I am convinced.

We looked for shops but being Sunday, most of the places were closed. I got a scarf for a birthday gift, black with fringe and roses, totally gypsy. and then, totally happy walked down to the jetty to watch the sunset. No one told me that I would never want to come back after that. It was definitely the Siren's call to be out on a rock, overlooking the harbor and watch clouds turn into peaches, the sea into a chest of jewels.

Some Days Are Just Better Than Others

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 07:11:00 PST

Up at 8:00am and still no Twitter this morning. Had to download Twitter for Blackberry as UberTwitter is not allied in Switzerland. More strawberries, croissants and coffee for petite dejuener.

It is very hazy over lake Geneva but the old city looks pretty shrouded in the mist, church spires rising like medieval warrior pikes, piercing the fog. Packed for our two day sojourn to the South of France. So excited to be going. Mists and haze most of the way so could not see the Alps as we drove but did see the pastoral French countryside.

Mostly the highway sadly goes through industrial areas. Stopped at a rest area and was horrified by the "hole-in-the-ground" toilette. Thankfully there was a handicap stall with a semi normal toilette. It alarmingly starts flushing the second you get in the stall. European bathroom experiences are always good for a laugh, usually later, after the trauma wears off!

We made it to Avignon and went into the ancient walled city. What a gorgeous place. Very medieval. Took tons of photos. We immediately went to the village plaza where the Palais des Papes (palace of the Popes) faced lovely little cafes.

We chose one and ate out in the sunshine. I had beef burgeon, apricot coucous, and lemon pudding crumble sort of thing that eventually I will be sorry I ate.

We then went on the self guided palace tour complete with english handheld interpreters. The most amazing rooms within and fantastic views from the ramparts on the top. So very old. Mostly 13th century.

Leaving the ancient city walls, we strode on through the more "modern" part of the city lined with plazas, shops, cafes, pâtisseries, and the requisite Merry-go-Round. I found the fashion shops like a heat seeking missile, determined to buy only French designs. The tiny streets and venerable facades left the mark of Old French charm on my heart that I will never forget. Even the city hall was busy with French Brides lined up, in full bridal regalia, on the steps waiting their turns to "tie-the-knot" with their prospective grooms.

We continued on to Arles, the ancient Roman city with a coliseum from the first Century. With still no place to stay I suggested a hotel as we wandered the tiny streets in the gathering darkness.

We took our luggage upstairs in complete darkness as we didn't know how to work the hall lights. But nothing prepared us for the room. It was like the interior of a freezing cold castle. High, hideous green walls with a deep red brocade curtains, we later learned, covered the radiator. There was a separate bedroom alcove for us and a small daybed in the main room. The bathroom seemed fair but dubious with a complete lack of shower curtain on the old clawfoot tub. I didn't want to stay but it was already paid for, so there was nothing to do but stick it out. We went on to supper at the recommendation of our host, bad choice. Supposedly Italian and provincial cooking, it was actually more a pizza place than anything. I had a salad and an apple cake. We stumbled on an art exhibit for Bull Fighters in an ancient church vestibule, that in my tired state seemed oddly out of place, but hey, this is Europe. We then went back to the castle dungeon room and tried to sleep. It was too cold really and worrisome because of the darkness and fear of castle rats (which of course there were none). I woke at 3:00am and had a difficult time getting back to sleep.

The morning brought the revelation of the radiator, a window so high you would have to be the Giant from Jack in the Beanstalk to see out, and a peek into a tiny courtyard that also peeked into the kitchens, busy with the breakfast breads being layed upon a board. It which was extremely reminiscent of something out of an historical novel (sounds safely charming from the comfort of a sofa and a crackling fire). Upon leaving the city of Arles, the sun pierced sharply through the chill morning and gave us a fresh glimpse of Spring only a breath away.

Carlos Miele Fall 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:34:00 PST

Gone was the live music and frizzling vibe, this was a serious fashion show for Carlos Miele Fall 2011. What we saw were amazing applications of color and fabric experimentation. Using tri-dimensional surfaces while playing with lights and darks, graphic stripes, color and texture clashes, and even satellite imaging the King of Color created remarkable looks. Since this was a fall collection, furs were included, adding yet another facet to the line. Fur capes were made with striping that mimicked some of the graphic tops and gowns but giving them a softening effect. Beginning with nudes and black, the collection swiftly moved into the color playground that Carlos likes to work in. graphic striped knitted tops in fuchsia, red and black were paired with layered chiffon checked skirts combining clashing textures with a hot, modern vibe. A cream jumpsuit with a hood was impacted with a paprika sash that had the effect of a flash of light. Beading and metallic braiding added more dimension to shoulders. Velvets were paired with chiffons, chartreuse silk with cerulean blue gathered detailing, peridot printed eclipse and satellite imaging was shot with beading. The details were incredible and the effect was like a blurred photo of Times Square at night. Color was just right, styling was body conscience and eternally feminine, glamorous and yet boldly wearable.

Satellite Imaging print

Zang Toi Fall 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 06:51:00 PST

Drama was high at Zang Toi, that darling of the TV Reality Series crowd. He brought down the house with a full-out Fashion Show spectacle in his Fall 2011 Show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Calling his show "Timeless Beauties" (probably because he had TV Reality Star Jill Zarin from Real Housewives of New Jersey as the final model), it was a collection of fine tailoring and countless embellished details. Toi chose a dramatic full length cashmere camel hair wool cape with fox collar over a pant suit and the tone of epic entrance was firmly established. Fine English wool man-suits were made lavish and elegant with fur stoles (some dyed the show signature emerald green) let to drop and drag behind, and epic emerald draped choker "heiress" necklaces caused gasps. Sheath and kilt dresses were made more stately and elegant by the dramatic opera music and towering "bee-hive" hair worn by the models. But the main attraction was the entrance of the evening and ball gowns. Cascading French Chantilly lace over silk and velvets, strapless silk organza gowns with miniature pleating, lace encrusted with jet crystals, confetti emerald square sequins over black silk Gazar all put together in one of the most opulent fashion shows at this New York Fashion Week. One Saga fox stole in emerald green was even lined with black beaded House of Toi crest over silk velvet. His fans and followers were completely satisfied as he was lauded with a standing ovation when he emerged, in a tuxedo with Jill Zarin in her black silk Gazar ball gown with nude Chantilly lace overlay totally encrusted with jet crystals. This is what the fashion crowd comes to see!

Jenny Packham Fall 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 09:17:00 PST

"Men cluster to me

Like moths around a flame

Andi if their wings burn

I know I'm not to blame"

-Marlene Dietrich

Jenny Packham knows how a certain Hollywood crowd craves the luxurious glittery glamour and she knows how to spell Runway and Red Carpet. This is hot "Sequin and the City" at it's flashiest. Pieces included full stretch bodysuits covered with a layer of silver or gold beading to resemble spiderwebbing, beaded tulle up-to-there cocktail dresses with stacked sequins, silk chiffon gowns that were covered in beaded flowers, and drama draped back dresses that had delicate moth wing sequins on tulle. One Italian jersey dress even sported ball and chain straps, cowl neckline over beaded leggings and topped with a gold metal sequin jacket. This collection was all about Rock 'n Roll stage glamour. In the front row, ostensibly seated next to Neiman Marcus' Ken Downing was One Tree Hill's Shantel VanStanten who said, "I loved every piece and would totally wear most of those gowns".

Ken Downing & Shantal VanSanten

Monique Lhuillier Fall 2011 Red Carpet Glamour

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 07:12:00 PST

Monique Lhuillier is known for her Red Carpet gowns and no doubt most of the attendees at her Fall 2011 fashion show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York were waiting just to see them. But some very important lady-like dressing was presented starting with black lace brought our of the bedroom and put right on suits, dresses, and sheaths. She also ran with the cheetahs, several pieces had animal print from dresses, to ball gowns. One big trend seen was her use of soft, billowy, plumy feathers. Several dresses were seemingly made entirely of feathers creating wonderful movement as the glided down the runway. Her suiting was strong shouldered and structured but softened with wool edge fraying and jacquard fabric. Then came the gowns. These were typically epic in proportion. Floating down the runway in a sea of tulle and feathers, organza and stardust, colors ranged from jet black, leopard, and blush to scarlet and java. The final gown combined in black combined Chantilly lace, embroidered tulle and a massive skirt of jet ostrich feathers. For the Red Carpet set, Monique Lhuillier rarely disappoints!

Donna Karan Fall 2011 Pearls of Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (MiamiOlivia) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:14:00 PST

Donna Karan

According to Wikipedia the word pearl has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable, and valuable. Donna Karan's Fall/Winter 2011 Collection evokes those traits expressed in feminine strength as well as softness. Impossibly romantic, the voice of grace and confidence quietly speaks through the entire collection. The colors are pearl and face-powder, misty silver and nougatine. The subtle shift from softly sophisticated to achingly seductive shows Donna Karan is still a woman's designer. She innately understands where a woman wants to go with what she wears and this time it fairly glows like the iridescence in the chiffon scarves that swathed many of the model's hair and faces. Each look was more elegantly and simply beautiful than the previous one. Everything about this collection was classy yet discreetly seductive. Her use of a subtle color palette as well as lush fabrics such as buttery soft grain calf and moleskins, wool crepes and mohairs, pillow soft tweeds and alpacas, and light as breath silks and chiffons were like a mantra of the gentle yet empowered strength of the modern feminine woman.
The pieces that will have the fashion crowd clamoring will be the capes, elbow length kid gloves with double row fur cuffs, the flared belted wool coat, and the sheer scarves that double as a hood. There isn't a woman alive that wouldn't feel elegant and confident in any piece of this gorgeous collection by Donna Karan.

Front Row at Donna Karan

Anna Wintour & Grace Coddington

Andre Leon Talley

Marisa Berenson

Genda Bailey