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.

Fashion Sketches

I was flipping through my sketchbook this weekend and thought I'd post what I found...Enjoy!

And yes eventually I will add a scanner and Adobe Creative Suite to my personal computer and get my artwork up to pro standards...but for now my digital camera will sufice

Friday the 13th: FASHION

 A rare occurrence (only happens 3 times at most a year) Friday the 13th is an interesting day to say the least.  Surrounded by superstition the date has become a part of Western culture as an urban legend.

With all that aside, the date got me thinking about the fascination of folklore, superstition, and even the supernatural...more importantly from a FASHION point-of-view Friday the 13th brought to mind designers like Alexander McQueen, Rodarte, Givenchy, and my all time favorite FIT Museum Exhibit- GOTHIC: DARK GLAMOUR ( http://www3.fitnyc.edu/museum/gothic/home.html)

Regardless of your thoughts on the subject matter, I've arranged a little visual treat to start your day off right.  Enjoy- 

"Legend has it: If 13 people sit down to dinner together, one will die within the year. The Turks so disliked the number 13 that it was practically expunged from their vocabulary (Brewer, 1894). Many cities do not have a 13th Street or a 13th Avenue. Many buildings don't have a 13th floor. If you have 13 letters in your name, you will have the devil's luck (Jack the Ripper, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer, Theodore Bundy and Albert De Salvo all have 13 letters in their names). There are 13 witches in a coven. The Devil's Dozen." - Source: http://urbanlegends.about.com/cs/historical/a/friday_the_13th_2.htm