Neoprene Dream

I have a dream...that it's autumn year round everyone carries crocodile Birkin bags, wears Christian Louboutin pumps and oversized Fendi fur coats......and then I wake up and I'm whisked back into the reality of hot sticky summer days.  Might as well make the best of it by getting on board with a summer staple- neoprene.

Neoprene is to summer what leather is to winter.  What was once limited to the surfing crowd via wetsuits is now a designer favorite and transformed into bags, dresses etc.  So enjoy the dog days of summer and get on trend with neoprene in the modality of your choice.

-Fendi, 2Jours Studded Tote, Neiman Marcus ($3,590)
-T by Alexander Wang, Neoprene Bomber Jacket, Neiman Marcus ($204)
-Comme des Garcon, Pouch, Saks Fifth Avenue ($190)
-Lanvin, Neoprene Dress, MyTheresa.com ($1,673)
-3.1 Phillip Lim, Neoprene Skirt, Nordstrom
-Clover Canyon, Dress, Shopbop.com ($196.80)

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LABEL LOVE: Sacai

In a sea of fashion, Sacai's Fall/Winter 2013 collection was a cut above the rest.  The label took the expected (motorcycle jackets) and gave us the unexpected (motorcycle jackets in white leather with fur sleeves).  Fall staples were transformed into pieces of fashion art- yet they maintained their wearability. 

The Japanese label Sacai was established in 1999 by designer Chitose Abe. The Sacai aesthetic understands the importance of balance- art, fashion, luxury, and above all wearable clothing.  Most recent success of the brand probably can be attributed to Paris Fashion Week, where four years ago Sacai began to show their collections.  Beforehand, Sacai was mostly known amongst fashion insiders and savvy shoppers.

Season after season Sacai is the label you want to watch and wear.

SUMMER MUST HAVE: The Tote

I'm usually the satchel or clutch carrying type, but when the summer months are upon us I can't deny the practicality of the TOTE.  Whether it's an impromptu meeting, rendezvous in the park or last minute weekend get away- a light weight carry all is just the accessory to get you from point A to point B.

The sensible bag is no longer just an accompaniment to the beach, oh no it does double duty...sophisticated enough for the office yet large enough for an overnighter.  And with a large enough selection to match every taste and budget there's a tote out there for everyone.

-Goyard, St. Louis Tote, Available at Barneys New York in store only (price available upon request)
-Fendi, Lea Pequin Tote, Barneys New York, ($1,490)
-Rochas, Shopper, www.net-a-porter.com, ($1,220)
-Celine, Cabas Phantom, Celine Stores, (price available upon request)
-McQ Alexander McQueen, Iris Large Printed Tote, Neiman Marcus ($765)
-Prada, Tessuto Tote, Neiman Marcus ($1,150)
-Saint Laurent, Reversible East/West Tote, Neiman Marcus ($1,495)
-Givenchy, Antigona Madone 2 Large Shopper, Bergdorf Goodman ($1,085)
-Reed Krakoff, Track Leather Tote, Bergdorf Goodman ($1,395)
-Gucci, Bree Leather Tote, Bergdorf Goodman ($1,350)

Destination Shopping: BERGDORF GOODMAN

After a weekend playing tour/shopping guide to an out of town friend, I've come to the realization that nothing beats Bergdorf Goodman New York.  And I mean that in more ways than one...the location, the merchandise (it's not just designer clothing it's cutting edge, undiscovered designers, carefully curated selection, etc.), the history, the New York feeling ....and of course my favorite the WINDOWS.

The Bergdorf Goodman story dates back to 1899, but the store (a.k.a mecca) that we know and love today opened its doors in 1928 at 58th street and 5th avenue.  Even though Bergdorf Goodman has gone from a French immigrant couturier store front that brought RTW to American women to a now department store owned by the mega-company Neiman Marcus Group, the constant theme of 'cutting edge' remains the same.

So if you're in the mood for a full on 'shopping experience' it is recommended that you visit the BG New York location at least once in you're life.   If nothing else visit for the window displays an art form all their own and a constant inspiration for this fashion obsessed New Yorker.

CURRENT OBSESSION: Celine Plaid

Counting down the days until the Fall season...and I'm getting into the mood by lusting after the arrival of Plaids seen on the runways...more importantly the Celine runway

STYLE ICON: Miroslava Duma

I love the runway shows and have such respect for the artistic designers...however, the streets are where fashion lives and I'm obsessed.  So that's why I can't get enough of former Harper's Bazaar Russia Editor and current founder of the site Buro 24/7; Miroslava Duma (aka Mira).

Mira isn't trendy she is FASHION, she knows how to mix and match, take designer pieces and make them her own, and she understands the art of fashion.  Every season I look forward to seeing her in the front rows and on the street.

The Met: Punk Chaos to Couture

....After a year hiatus I'm making my way back, just like my favorite fashion event The Met Gala.  It's like Christmas for the fashionistas' in all of us.

This year celebrated one of my favorite fashion movements- PUNK.  Without which I might not have found my way into the fashion world...why it seems like yesterday I was putting safety pins in my shirts, experimenting with fabric paint, and making my own clothes.  Of course I've grown out of that phase however, the inspiration is still there and it's refreshing to see the serious fashion crowd pay their respects.


My favorites on the red carpet included Sarah Jessica Parker in McQueen and Christina Ricci in Vivian Westwood- bizarrely enough not everyone got the memo as to what the theme was (eh hem Kim K, don't even get me started on why she was invited anyway)....And inside the exhibit RODARTE stole my heart after all I have been obsessed with their Fall 2008 since it first showed.

The exhibit runs until August 14th, get there before it's gone.