Thursday, July 31, 2014

TBT: Diana Vreeland

“Fashion is part of the daily air and it changes all the time, with all the events. You can even see the approaching of a revolution in clothes. You can see and feel everything in clothes.”
-Diana Vreeland

For 'throw-back-Thursday' we honor the original Fashion Editor Diana Vreeland. 



MUST HAVE: Stella McCartney

If I had to sum up Stella McCartney it would go something like this 'It's what the cool kids wear'.  Seriously, the label has that kind of nonchalant chicness to it and no matter your personal style be it casual oversized sweater and boyfriend jeans, an executive looking for tailored suits, or just a fashion girl into cocktail dresses Stella has you covered. 

The Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2014 collection is now available in stores.  Like many of you I'm an instant gratification shopper; I want to buy my fall wardrobe in the fall and wear it immediately.  Unfortunately, if you wait for the change in weather chances are those key pieces will be sold out.  Below are my top 2 MUST HAVE picks from the Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2014 collection.  Happy shopping.

 Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2014 Look 33
 Stella McCartney, Asia Fringed Wicker Lace Mini Dress, $3,065 available at www.net-a-porter.com


Stella McCartney, Pre-Fall 2014 Look 24
Stella McCartney, Houndstooth Wool Blanket Coat, $3,745 available at www.net-a-porter.com

Monday, July 28, 2014

CURRENT OBSESSION: Burberry Prorsum St. Ives Bag

The Burberry Prorsum Small St. Ives Bag was introduced in January during the Fall/Winter 2014 menswear show entitled a Painterly Journey.  The St. Ives bag is now officially available for purchase, each bag is a true artisan piece and I highly recommend the investment.  The artisan element depends on which variation you choose currently, the bag is available in hand-painted leather, British-woven wool and authentic rugs.

Burberry Prorsum, Small St. Ives Bag, starting at $2,095 available at http://us.burberry.com/mens-bags/


Thursday, July 24, 2014

THE PERFECT SHOE: Christian Louboutin

What shoes should I invest in?  What shoes will work for this occasion?  What shoes go with this look?.....These are just some examples of the questions I get asked about footwear.  My answer:  The Christian Louboutin 'Pigalle'.  The pigalle is a a classic silhouette that belongs in every woman's shoe collection.  Timeless and elegent this shoe works for every foot and almost every occasion; from a new grad going to an interview, an established executive going to a meeting, girls night out on the town, to the casual fashionista paired with jeans.  The pigalle comes in a variety of colors, textures, heel heights, and even a platform option.  My favorite and suggestion to those of you first time investors is classic black 120mm (pictured below).

Christian Louboutin, Pigalle 120mm black, $625 available at http://us.christianlouboutin.com/us_en/shop/women/pigalle-34542.html



Saturday, July 19, 2014

BLOGLOVE: Hayden Williams

Fashion is an art form.  Sometimes I can forget that, especially when I get bogged down with the advertising/business side of the industry.  One way I remember the art of fashion is by looking at talented individuals like fellow illustrator and blogger Hayden Williams.  The illustration side of fashion is a huge part of who I am, so it's refreshing to see another artists process and results.  I highly recommend checking him out!

Hayden Williams is a British Fashion Illustrator & Designer, his work can be viewed on his blog at haydenwilliamsfashionillustrations.blogspot.com




Accessorize your Accessories

I have always ascribed to the notion that fashion is fun.  Nothing says fun like playing with color, texture and shapes in the form of a bag charm or key chain.  Yeah I'm talking about the latest trend; accessories for your accessories.  Not only is it a way to express the fun side of your personality, but it's economical too.  For many, the idea of spending thousands of dollars on a pink fox fur handbag seems out of reach but an affordable colorful leather bear key chain hanging from your tote is totally doable.
 Fendi, Crystal Eye Fox Fur Charm, $800 (www.bergdorfgoodman.com)
 3.1 Phillip Lim, Bear Key Chain, $125 (www.shopbop.com)
 MCM, Dog Charm, $150 (www.saks.com)
 Louis Vuitton, Foxy Charm, $1,260 (www.louisvuitton.com)
 Loewe, Key Chains available at fine retailers
 Prada, Robot Trick, $150 (www.prada.com)





Thursday, July 17, 2014

SHOPPING: Graphic Tee

I shop all the time...it's my job.  Sometimes it's just observational; like if I'm on my way to work and pass a store I pay attention to the window displays and keep it moving.  It's one way to keep my 'finger-on-the-pulse' of an ever fluctuating industry.  However, there are those times when I shop for pleasure and I can't help but share the result with you...

The inspiration on my latest shopping adventure:
 
 
...And the result; my new graphic tee by L.A.T.H.C

STYLE ICON: Iris Apfel

Iris Apfel  despite being  most notably cited as an interior designer has had a long standing relationship with the fashion industry.  From muse, street-style star, to even being the subject of a MET exhibition entitled 'Rara Avis (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel'.  Whatever her official career title may be, there is no denying the fact that the 93 year old Isis Apfel is an official style icon.  Not only do I adore the aesthetic of what she chooses to wear, but I love the way she wears it and I think that's the greatest lesson; wear what you want when you want to wear it but, be comfortable and confident in your choice.  Some of my favorite Iris Apfel moments....

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

One Handle Wonders

The latest trend popping up throughout the 'must have' accessories?  You guessed it, the single handle look.  What sets these bags a part is the fact that they aren't you're standard fold-over top handle satchels (think the Hermes Kelly).  No, they are a new breed of bags all their own playing with silhouette/shape, hardware/zipper placement, etc. sharing the common trend of the single top handle.  Did I confuse you yet?  I guess that's why they say a picture is worth a thousand words- take a look for yourself.
 Alexander Wang, Opanca Bag, $1,095 (www.bergdorfgoodman.com)

 BOYY, Martin Bag, $855 (www.bergdorfgoodman.com)
Chloe, Dalston Bag, $2,650 (www.bergdorfgoodman.com)
3.1 Phillip Lim, Ryder Bag, $990 (www.bergdorfgoodman.com)
Givenchy, Pandora Bag, $2,390 (www.bergdorfgoodman.com)

Monday, July 14, 2014

FALL 2014 COUTURE: Giambattista Valli

It's hard to play favorites in a sea of beauty however, I feel the need to put the spotlight on Giambattista Valli for the amazing Fall 2014 Couture collection.  The collection was chic and elegant; featuring pencil skirts, longer hemlines, flattering color palates of black/white and pastels matched with whimsy and eccentricity; pastel furs, voluminous 'poof' dresses, and sequins.  It may seem like my descriptions are all over the place but I guess that's what happens when describing a designer that maintains  a couture clientele while appealing to a commercial demographic and simultaneously touching on major fashion trends.