Recently in 2008 Fall Category

Diane Von Furstenburg introduced her knit jersey wrap dresses in 1973... and now 35 years later they're a fashion icon.  So much so there is even one in the collection of the Costume Institute of the Met.  Her collections are much more broad now, but the wrap dresses and other variations of the jersey knit dress are always an important part.

Here's a totally classic wrap dress, in a fun retro print, $385. 100% silk jersey.

Here's another wrap style, "Hampton Wrap Dress", $365. This one sleeveless, but still easy enough to wear all year by pairing with a cardigan. 88% nylon, 12% elastane stretch fabric.

I love this tuxedo dress, $365 available at Net-a-porter. It has a tuxedo pleated front and black buttons and belt. Contrast lining at sleeves and front placket.

All three of these look like they'll be in style for another 35 years for sure.  I always tend to love stuff that stands up to the test of time.  I mean really, who would ever need acid washed jeans again?  Classics like these dresses, when well kept, can be passed down to daughters and nieces and be enjoyed for many years to come.

Here are a couple of Yves Saint Laurent finds at Bluefly. A gorgeous tote bag, the YSL 'Overseas' Medium Tote in chocolate brown leather, $1,436 (retail $1,795). It's made with pebbled leather and brasstone hardware and has a cool chain with padlock.

Detail:

They even have a matching wallet, $340 (retail $425).

Both are also available in black and the bag also in a larger size for $1,516.

Bluefly has a great deal right now on a coveted Chanel flap bag in the best color - black, of course.

It's normally $2,050, bluefly has it at 20% off, so $1,640.  These never last, surprsingly so in this bad economy, so hurry!

Ralph Lauren is having a private sale with up to 40% off now through Monday, Nov. 17th. Also, an extra 15% off with code NOV1317 at checkout.

Here are a couple of examples, this Blue Label cashmere turtleneck dress is normally $325, on sale $199 and with an extra 15% off, $169.15.

This Blue Lable slim fit tee with a heraldric lion and crown crest is normally $98, sale $49 and with an extra 15% off, $41.65.

With deals like this, it's a good time to start holiday shopping!

As I was out and about this weekend I saw this dress in the window at the Banana near Bloomingdale's (uptown).  I went in to check it out, but I didn't have time to try it on.  The fabric is a beautiful brown with a sort of iridescent effect from a crossweave. The dress is $175, I thought it would be more, it has the look of a much more expensive dress.

This is a great option for anyone who needs a new dress for holiday parties this year. Oh, and I hadn't been into that particular Banana store for ages - the downstairs section that used to be so small and cramped is now HUGE, they must have taken over the basement space of the store next door (which I believe, conveniently, was their sister company, Gap's basement).  It's great - now they have the entire women's department down there with enough room to fit the entire collection including shoes and jewelry and not be really crowded like it used to be. 

As mentioned in my last post, I finally went to the Mobile Art exhibit this past weekend. 

I had tickets for Saturday at 11:30 am.  They managed the whole thing beautifully, people with tickets just had to wait in a line for their time slot and were let in at the exact time, on the dot.  Since we arrived just a couple minutes before there was basically no wait at all.  (the unlucky people who didn't have tickets had to wait in a HUGE line) You are ushered into the container and they made you check everything: coats, cameras, handbags, everything!  And then you're given your headset for the audio tour.  The whole visit is paced with the narrator (at times, a bit too slow for my pace). I'm afraid to say that overall, I liked the architecture better than the art is housed.  The first room had a beautiful floral mosaic floor. One installation was a series of cardboard boxes with film projection of naked people running around inside them.  Another was a large shipping container (as in ocean freight container) with this poor giant black gummi bear like guy tied up inside with furniture, and then there is a screen where you see a film reel of a dominatrix woman beating on the bear.  At the end they had a big tree where you were instructed to write down a wish and tie it to a branch. There was also a giant black 2.55 bag laying on it's side with fur lining.  The experience was tranquil, I liked the narrator, I just thought she was a bit too slow at times. At the end when you get your coat and bags back they give you a photography magazine with some beautiful black and white shots done by Karl Lagerfeld and others. It also has a section about the exhibit and architect and the different places the container has been. You were not allowed to take any pictures inside so I only have pictures of the outside.  

So my birthday was over the weekend, I am getting frightfully old, but thankfully still look young enough to get carded (sometimes at least). I had a wonderful day walking around the Upper East Side and into Midtown and finally made it to the Mobile Art Exhibit in the park (see next post). Anyway, along my walk I got these wonderful Chanel earrings, they're from the Chanel store on 57th Street (betw. 5th and Madison).

These are Chanel costume jewelry, so they are genuine "metal" and cost $350.  Funny, ha?  These particular ones are made in Italy, others they had in stock were made in France.  They come with a little fabric pouch for storage and a beautiful Chanel box, they tied it with Chanel ribbon and put a big white camelia flower made of fabric on top.  The flower was just part of the wrapping, but I think I'm going to make it into a pin.  I don't have a link for these because they don't seem to be for sale online anywhere.

Caudalie, the wonderful vinotherapie skincare company, is offering a free travel kit with any $50 purchase now through Nov. 20.  So it's a great time to start early for Christmas shopping. Their gifts sets are a great way to introduce someone to the line.

The "Spa in a Box" set is a reasonable $38 and includes small sizes of their popular crushed cabernet scrub, hand and nail cream, vine peach shower gel, fleur de vigne soap and nourishing body lotion.  (oh, I LOVE this body lotion, it smells SO GOOD).

The "Vinoperfect Radiance Set" is $98 and includes Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Cream SPF 15, Vinoperfect Night Correcting Cream and a small Beauty Elixer.

Both of these sets would make great gifts.  You can also buy the travel kit for $15 and those make great stocking stuffers.

Caudalie's profile just went up a notch here in the US because they just opened their newest spa at The Plaza. 

J. Crew is offering an extra 30% off sale items with code EXTRA30 until Sat. Nov. 8 at 9:59 PM ET.

There are some great bargains like this winter coat in an Italian wool/cashmere blend. Regular $325, with extra sale $192.50.

A classic trouser style jean in a nice medium/dark wash. Regular $120, with extra sale $70.

Also, the great skull wellie boots that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago (orig. $78) can now be had for a mere $35.

Their website is often annoyingly slow lately, but it's worth the trouble for these great deals.

When I first saw this picture of Gwyneth at the movie premiere in Paris of "Two Lovers" I thought she was wearing little white socks with her boots!  And, I thought, hmmm that's strange.

But then after a little digging around I realized she is wearing Rupert Sanderson's Kit Kat Shoe Boot ($1,100). The version for sale at Net-a-porter has a white heel.

I can't say that I really like these boots, but I think it was more fabulous than hideous of her to wear them.  The dress (with a see-through lace front!) is also a little aggressive fashion-wise so why not? Anyway, fashion is supposed to be fun, you can take risks once in a while. These were certainly a more interesting choice than the Christian Louboutins that have become standard issue for every woman in Hollywood. (not that I don't LOVE those, I do)

Net-a-porter shows them styled with tights and I do think they are A LOT easier to pull off like this.

When I was at Precision the other day I tried on this fabulous 1/2 sleeve mock turtleneck from Vince in a supersoft cotton blend.  I am loving this and want it in 2 more colors at least.  It's $85 for the striped ones and $75 for solids.

Vince also makes it in a long sleeve version. ($85) What's so great about these is that they have an absolutely perfect fit, they're not bulky at all so they're great for layering but are nice enough pieces to stand on their own as well. Here is the long sleeve in a beautiful dark Heather-gray tone.  It of course also comes in black and some colors.

I also love this sculpted cable cardigan sweater. ($285) It's a chunky cable knit with big buttons and front pockets. During the in-between-seasons (like NOW) it's perfect as a coat, paired with, for example, the long sleeve shirt above in black.  Thow on some skinny jeans or leggings, a scarf and some tall boots and you're ready to go!

I've found two more options for menswear inspired dresses that are thankfully much more affordable than the gorgeous D&G version that I wrote about earlier this Fall. 

This one by Nanette Lepore ($350) in a wool blend plaid, can be dressed up or down.  Layer it with a thin turtleneck for a day look or wear it alone with super-high black heels and a chic clutch for evening.  Here in this picture from Bloomingdales they've layered it with a cap sleeve top, I'm not very fond of that look personally. This dress actually looks much better in person!  They have it in the window at the Precision boutique on 3rd Ave betw. 74th and 75th Streets right now, it's a really beautiful dress.

This one from BR Monogram Collection ($224) is a cotton/poly blend in a classic glenplaid. It has a twisted neckline similar to the D&G dress. Straight skirt and narrow belted waist. It's a more dressy look than the Nanette Lepore but you could layer it with a sweater for work to make it a day into night option.

I finally saw "What Happens in Vegas" on dvd last night. 

It was an okay movie, typical for the genre.  Cameron has some great outfits though!  But what really stood out to me was the fabulous bedding on the bed at the hotel room in Las Vegas... the duvet cover with the large scale leaf pattern in a greeny shade with dark brown and matching sheets.  I did a little poking around on the web, and I am pretty sure this is what it was:

Calvin Klein Boxwood Collection. 

It happens to be on super-sale at Macy's right now too.  The queen duvet cover is full priced at $315, but on double sale it's down to $188.99.  The pillow shams, queen flat and fitted sheets are normally $100 each, down to $59.99 and the standard cases $75 down to $44.99.

All Marc Jacobs fans know that one of his signature style accents for accessories is the push lock.  See below on the Classic Zip Clutch ($395).

So here's a not bad at all alternative from Topshop's website.  (no stores yet in the US, but one's coming to SoHo, Broadway & Broome,  in early 2009)

Topshop Large Push Lock Clutch ($85). An oversized clutch in leather with brass push lock detail. Pretty cute, right!

I'm not very familiar with Topshop other than that Kate Moss does a line for them.  I think they're like the British version of H&M? I'm looking forward to checking out the store when it opens.

Nine West has shamelessly taken a page from Christian Louboutin's design book with this platform peep-toe pump ('Raven' Boutique 9 by Nine West, $145), shown first, which looks very similar to the iconic Louboutin Very Privé Slingback style (version shown-Glitter Patent Slingback, $760), shown second below.

The styling of the slingback itself is different: the cut and also Nine West uses a small metal buckle whereas Louboutin uses elastic. And of course, no red sole on the Nine West.

I guess it's great to have "the look for less" option available to people who don't want to or can't spend $760 for shoes. But this also illustrates the divisive topic of intellectual property rights for design. It just doesn't seem right to financially reward companies who knock-off.  But then again it's hard to say that two designers couldn't have both had the same idea.

Last night I watched "Lagerfeld Confidential" a documentary about Karl Lagerfeld by Rodolphe Marconi.

I got it on dvd from netflix. It was really interesting to see behind the scenes because he seems so mysterious with the dark glasses and black clothes. It's more about him, the man, than it is about Chanel. You get to see inside his Paris apartment and how he has bowls of the silver rings he wears.  I didn't even realize he wore so many rings because he usually also has gloves on.  But it's crazy he wears so much metal on his hands that they clank. (like 2 or 3 rings on some fingers)  And you can see they rows of black clothes in his closet and the TONS of books he has.  Just getting to see his flat was really neat.  Also, I didn't realize he was a photographer.  He does a lot of the Chanel photography.  As to my impressions of the man himself, I was surprised that he wasn't more arrogant.  He does have some odd thoughts though, like about working hard - you're supposed to, but it's like he thinks its tedious if you show it. (It's easy for someone who doesn't need to work at all to say that.) He's non-religious and a (mostly) very rational thinker.  He admits to being lucky in life. He reads a lot and values time alone. He said he can't stand people who cannot be alone (I agree). I found him to come off as quite likeable but not without his quirks.  Some of the documentary is boring, but overall I recommend it. Oh, and bonus - you get to see him without his sunglasses on!

Here he is at the Mobile Art opening the other day with Kate Bosworth in one of his typical outfits.

The New York Times had a rather scathing review (Critical Shopper: Rhinestones Are a Tween's Best Friend by Cintra Wilson) of the new Juicy Couture store on Fifth Avenue today in the Thursday Style section.  Their comments were funny and certainly no revelation to me.  I have a love/hate relationship with the brand myself.  I end up featuring a lot of their designs in this blog, but at the same time I wouldn't be caught dead in anything that actually said Juicy on it (UGGH, GOD AWFUL) or even their stupid, ubiquitous terry cloth lounge pants OR anything pink for that matter.

Here's a quote, "Like Tory Burch, whose influence is felt here nearly to the point of plagiarism, the Juicy Couture line seems to aspire to dress young ladies straight from the closet of Lady Bird Johnson."  But goes on to differentiate the two (Tory and Juicy), "that Juicy is posing as disestablishment chic".   Of course we all know the rock and roll / lady-like paradox of the Juicy style.  Then there is a lot of that tween junk - the hoodies and stuff with tacky rhinestones on it. I thought this was a great article even though it basically made fun of the brand.  But kudos to them, they created a hugely successful brand that does manage to appeal to spoiled kids and adults alike.

The things I like are usually pretty classic.  I also like that their items tend to be very well sewn and they choose quality fabrics. I have a pair of black lightweight wool wide leg trousers that I absolutely love and no one would ever guess the brand (no sign of rhinestones). So after reading the article, I'm sure many would be turned off, but should know that classic good items do exist there.

The new store is at 650 Fifth Avenue, cross street 52nd.

As a person who loves skull and crossbone patterns (for some strange reason) and has ruined one too many pairs of Gucci shoes in the rain, here's a great find:

They're rubber, so totally weather/water proof and lined with sherpa for comfort. (Sherpa-lined critter wellies, $78) They're a dark charcoal color so they'll go with anything and the skull pattern is small so you won't look too silly! It's so great wearing boots like this when the city streets are full of slush, snow, and mini-lakes (from clogged up drains). Thankfully it's not time for that yet, but they're just as good in pouring rain!

This black and white J. Crew Collection dress has a very classic Chanel-esque look. Chanel always shows a lot of black and white and especially did in their latest show, Spring-Summer 2009.  Someone probably could have snuck this dress into the show and no one would have noticed!

J. Crew Collection "Shimmy Dress", $250, ivory silk organza with tiny cotton voile ruffles black charmeuse sash.

Wouldn't it look great with some Chanel costume jewelry like this: But I guess that would cancel out the "look for less" part.

As a follow-up to my posts from Sep. 23 and  Jul. 24 about the Chanel Mobile Art exhibit, here is a link to a review in today's New York Times, "Art and Commerce Canoodling in Central Park" by Nicolai Ouroussoff. The exhibit opened yesterday.

It's a quite critical review. He compares the unfortunate timing of this installation during an economic crisis to the similarly poor timing of the opening of the Rem Koolhaas designed Prada store in SoHo just 3 months after September 11th. Ouroussoff is mostly respectful of Zaha Hadid (the architect of the structure) but pretty much pans the artwork inside as "completely mundane: tame clichés laboring to be provocative" and the concept by Chanel as "a cynical marketing gimmick". He sums it up as a visit into "...a black hole of bad art and superficial temptations, straying farther and farther from the real world outside..."

It's an interesting perspective and I think the review deserves a read.  It makes some good points about our often pretentious and materialistic society.  But anyway, I'm still going! 

Here's another good find - a bag from Banana Republic that has the look of a much more expensive bag.  The chunky gold chain detail is very Marc Jacobs looking - for a fraction of the price.  The "Drake" Shoulder bag, it comes in black or russet leather ($180) or leopard print calf hair ($230). The russet is a nice orange color.

Either style qualifies for free shipping and they even come with their own dust bag like expensive bags do.

Check out this fabulous dress in the sale section of Net-a-Porter.  Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Stud Trim Dress, Regular Price $495, Sale $247.50!

I love the sleeves and the overall design. You can also wear it belted. The studs are very much like the Carrie belt in the SATC movie.  (although I would  not recommend wearing them together, that would be overkill!) It's a cotton/polyester blend with metal studs. For $250 it's pretty tempting!!!

Since we're talking about orange today, take a look at this gorgeous Chloe tote bag!  Vermilion orange croc-embossed leather with two tone hardware and chunky turnlock closure.  Made in Italy, of course.

It's at bluefly.com for $1,760 (normal retail $2,200)!  Sorry, but no matter how beautiful I would not spend that much on a bag.  That's pretty outrageous!  Anway, that's why I put it in the "objects of desire" category - it's clearly not a "good find" for that price (well, for most of us anyway).

I was walking my short walk to the subway this morning and I passed not one, but two stylish women on 76th street wearing orange scarves. They both looked great! A dash of color is great way to add interest to denim, black, charcoal etc. (the colors I wear all the time). I should be more adventurous I think! 

Here's a nice burnt orange cashmere knit scarf from Magaschoni at Bluefly. ($123)

And here's a 12 x 60" pashmina version from the Pashminastore.com. They make it in 100% wool for $35.99 or 70% wool / 30% silk for $29.99.  They also make larger wrap sizes 28 x 80" and 36 x 80". These prices seem suspiciously cheap though. I'm not familiar with this company, but they claim to be made with real pashmina (finest grade cashmere wool) from Nepal. So if it's legit, they're really an AMAZING bargain. 

Gwyneth Paltrow always looks great, classic but not boring-classic. Here's a recent picture of her in London.

For a similar look: Sunglasses, Jimmy Choo, $295. 

Jacket, Anthropologie, $188.

Skinny Jeans, 7 for all mankind Roxy, $155.

Boots, J. Crew Long Brewster, $198.

On another note about Gwyneth, she has a new lifestyle website called Goop. Here's a link to the October newsletter. I found it quite interesting.

There's a good article in the New York Times today about the Gap, "Critical Shopper: A Currency as Sound as a Slim-Fit Shirt". It's mostly favorable, even with funny comments like "It leaves the bland taste of the 1990s in my mouth." (referring to the store).  But that's spot on.  I think most of us think of the Gap that way.  So it was smart of them to hire a cool new designer to start to chip away at that perception.  It has been done - - think about Coach bags... they used to all look the same (more or less), and they were so BORING, now look at them!

Anyway, Gap is showing a lot of their "denim and tweed" look right now.

I like this Tweed Hacking Jacket, $98. Herringbone weave in pure wool and an adjustable back belt to customize the fit.

And these low rise Organic cotton boot cut jeans, $69.50. Wow, that's an amazing price for 100% organic cotton! Supposedly, they've updated their boot cut "kept the flattering features, gave it some more sexy". Sounds good, not sure what exactly that means!

Also, this Studded Leather Clutch looks surprisingly cool for the Gap. ($98) Full grain leather in a foldover style with studded detailing on the flap.

I also like their "European Collection" concept, although I don't find all of the designs to be terribly "European" in aesthetic. I do wish them luck! It's great to have low priced options for decent quality and stylish items. Hopefully Patrick will be for Gap what Mickey Drexler was for J Crew.

There was another good article in the Times back on Aug. 20th about the release of the Fall collection and the challenges of reinventing the brand.

If you're interesting in fashion history, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum is a great place to explore. Many people go to the Met and never even make it to this wonderful section of the museum.  If you're not in New York or visiting soon, you can still enjoy it through their website. It features collection highlights and a searchable database.

Among the highlights are this Chanel Evening Ensemble (circa 1933-1935), silk and feathers.

Lanvin Evening Dress (circa 1939), silk.

Gilbert Adrian Evening Ensemble (circa 1945), silk.

Nettie Rosenstein Ensemble (circa 1945), silk.

It's pretty amazing that one could wear any of these today!

It's always good to pick up some cheap basics to mix and match with your nicer clothes (like Coco Rocha and her Aldo boots - see Oct 4 post). Here are some good options from the Gap.

This pencil skirt is a classic cut and only $44. It has a bit of stretch in it, so if you're small it may actually fit. (it's really surprsing how many size 0 pencil skirts actually do not fit, I mean they're supposed to be tailored fit, not baggy)  How can you go wrong for $44!  It comes in black and terrain (color below).

I also like this long sweater from Gap's European Collection. $88. It's 95% lambswool, 5% cashmere. That's a nice blend, usually less expensive sweaters have some acrylic in them, which is not nice at all! Perhaps that's why it's a little more pricey... but still much less than a designer version. I would get black, but I'm showing it in gray below so you can see the detail of the knit.

I love the slouchy comfortable look. It would look good with skinny jeans, or you could dress it up with a skirt, heels, and some chunky bracelets.

Gap is also a reliable source for inexpensive tights. When it gets cold, I wear them all the time. It's good to restock every Fall for the season since they get snags etc. They're only $12.50 or 2 for $10 each.

Of course I would love to only buy Wolford tights,  but at $52 each, that's a bit hard to take when you can get perfectly fine ones for $10.

As a follow-up to last Thursday's post, here are 2 more pairs of black leather boots.  These are both lower styles which are kind of the "in thing" for boots this Fall.

These by Theory are definitely channeling the motorcycle vibe. "Elodie" Short Leather Boots, $395. The quality of leather is nice and they sort of have a clunky feel, so these are not as easy to dress up.

These by Juicy Couture seem a bit more versatile and they have a killer heel and platform, so they're really high.  "Serena" Leather Platform Ankle Boots, $378. They're very well made (although not in Italy) and seem worth the price.

These I think you could wear SJP style, with a pencil skirt and black tights and they'd look really cool. Or with skinny jeans.

I was poking around Sephora this weekend, a favorite pass-time of course, and I ran across 3 eye shadow palettes that look great!  I really wish I didn't SUCK at eye shadow. I guess I need to go get a lesson (pretty sad at my age). I manage with my Chanel eye liner "Le Crayon Yeux" in teak and Clinique Naturally Glossy mascara, jet brown...  Anyway, here they are:

Cargo Essential Eyeshadow Palette, $32.  It comes in 3 color options: warm neutral, cool neutral and dark neutral.  I liked the cool neutral the best (middle). It even tells you where to put the colors, so I think even a dummy like me could figure it out.

Fresh Eye Shadow Trio, Lost World, $32. I love these colors, but I wouldn't be sure where to put the green. I'm not terribly fond of the cutesy looking container though.

Dior 5 Color Eyeshadow, Incognito, $54. The beautiful neutral tones are very similar to the Cargo colors. But they come in a more elegant container and the pigments that Dior uses are apparently better quality.

On a side note, I love Dior's Replenishing Lipcolor, $27. Color 717, "Brown Image" is beautiful. Don't go by the colors online though, they are way off. I love the container too, it's got a quilited look like a Dior bag.

I ran across this little feature on model Coco Rocha in a "pulse" slideshow in the Style section of the New York Times.  She explains her outfit, a vintage jacket from Paris, Rag & Bone pants... and Aldo boots!

She explains, "I believe if you see something you like and it's cheap, by all means get it. Just don't do it head to toe. Carry an expensive bag." I love that! Many of us have to do that because we can't afford to wear head-to-toe luxury designer, it's nice to hear it from someone who probably doesn't have to...  Of course this is not a new idea by any means. Fashionable people have been pairing Gap and even Old Navy with ready-to-wear for ages. Anyway, I just thought it was a nice little snipet and in this economy, practical. I'm going to go check out Aldo!  Maybe then I won't have to buy the L.A.M.B. $520 boots I'm dying for.

There are only a couple days left of Paris Fashion Week - it ends Sunday.  Somehow Paris Fashion Week seems way more cool than New York, to me, mostly because the shows are scattered about Paris. Many of them are at the Carrousel du Louvre, which serves much like the Tents at Bryant Park do for New York. But many are at other interesting places like the Espace Eiffel on the Quai Branly in the 7th or in the Tuileries gardens in the 1st or the Grand Palais in the 8th. You can see the full schedule at Mode a Paris' official site.  I would just die if I could go to a show, any one!!

I LOVE Paris, having studied there it feels like a place I know (very well) which is rare for a foreign city because most of us only can visit for a week or so.  You can get to know a city in that amount of time, but not "really" know it.  So anyway, for my ode to Paris, here are some of my favorite spots.

Stopping for a cafe creme on the Rue Soufflot in the Latin Quarter, you have the beautiful Pantheon looming on one side and my favorite gardens the Luxembourg Gardens down the street in the other direction. My absolute favorite place to buy a baguette is also right there, Boulangerie Moderne (16, rue des Fossés-Saint-Jacques).

Shopping around the Eglise de la Madelaine. I love the Habitat store (30, Boulevard des Capucines), Fauchon (30, Place Madeleine) and Hediard (21, Place Madeleine). Habitat is a home goods store by Terence Conran - back then I didn't even know who that was, but I loved the store! Fauchon and Hediard are both gourmet food shops that put Citarella and Eli's to shame. They're like food museums.

And very conveniently, Place de la Madeleine is very close to Place Vendome where the Ritz is. If you're not staying there you at least have to stop in for a cocktail! And of course Rue Saint-Honore is right there also, nice for just a walk and window shopping - or some serious ($$$) shopping!

I could just go on and on. I really love Place des Vosges in the Marais, the Parc Monceau in the 8th, a great little restaurant near the Eiffel Tower, La Fontaine de Mars, walking around the Saint-Germain-des-Prés quartier on the left bank, the Musee Guimet (asian art) in the 16th.....etc, etc, etc.  Wow, I really need to go to Paris!

They're showing a lot of black leather rocker/motorcycle looks this Fall. Bloomingdale's put out a whole "Hot Rocks" catalog and did their 59th street windows in the same theme. Sadly this catalog is not posted on their website, as some are.

Here are some of the looks.  This delicious Marc by Marc Jacobs jacket is done in soft washed leather, $798.

For a ladylike version of the rocker look (if that exists), this Juicy Couture leather coat could work. Shrunken fitted style with rounded collar and gold buttons, $698.

And it would look good with their "Mona" Tall Leather Boots, $478. They're fairly simple with a classic round toe and 3 1/2" heel, but also have a horsebit buckle to jazz them up a bit.

The Bloomingdale's catalog had this really cool MICHAEL Micheal Kors belt, black leather with black pyramid studs (only $42) - kind of a toned down version of the Carrie studded belt from the SATC movie. I guess this belt was very popular because it is nowhere to be found now! I can't even pull a picture from anywhere on the internet to show it. :-( (I need to get a scanner)

Anyway, this belt is also amazing - - but insanely expensive: Alexander McQueen croco embossed leather belt with chain detail, $469. Thank goodness it's made in Italy for that price... and it comes with a belt dust bag (so you can feel like you got your money's worth!).

They're also showing a lot of the low heeled motorcyle boots. I'm not a huge fan because I always prefer a heel, but if I were tall and didn't have that problem, I'd be loving these. DKNY lace up boots, $475. The lace up style can work really well if you have thinner calves, so you can make them fit better.

I realized lately that I'm sort of a bag lady, yup - paper bag.  I have this terrible habit of carrying the things that don't fit into my handbag in a paper bag... you know the nice paper bags with handles that nice shops give you. (my favorites are the Sherry Lehman bag with the Toulouse Lautrec print and the Balthazar Bakery bag)  Anyway, I was thinking how this is actually pretty weird, since I go out of my way to have the best shoes and handbags and decent clothes... so why do I do this?  I guess I never thought about it very much, and maybe it's okay because it's recycling.

Anyway, Longchamp has a great solution. They now have a build your own Les Pliages bag, Le Pliage Sur Mesure, on their website! You get to choose the size of your bag, the length of the handles, the fabric color(s), the color of the metal on the bag (zipper pull, etc) and optional embossing of your initials on the leather or embroidery of your name on the fabric part.  They're made to order in a workshop dedicated to the production of these custom bags, within Longchamp's main production unit located in Segré, in the Maine-et-Loire region of France.   

The prices are pretty reasonable - the large bag prices out at $184 with the optional embossing included. And because it's a Le Pliage, you just fold it up when not is use for compact storage.

This morning as I was waiting for the subway I saw the most ridiculous site - - a man wearing the knee high Ugg boots with his 7 jeans tucked into them!  Okay, and I mean the Ugg boots that all the girls wear, these:

It was so horrible. I wanted to tell him, like hello buddy, this is not LA... you just CANNOT wear that in New York.  I wish I had snuck a picture, because when you google for pictures of men in Ugg boots there is not even one at this level of ridiculous (meaning the high boots which are much more ridiculous).  Even when you go to the Ugg Australia website, they do not show the high boots in the Men's section.  They make the boots - - so they must like them, and not even they can advocate such a thing!

David Yurman's Fall catalog has some seriously gorgeous rings in it!  Yes, lately I'm obssesed with cocktail rings... and these are super fabulous [and expensive].

Just in case the jewelry wasn't beautiful enough on its own, Yurman has hired Kate Moss, Natalia Vodianova and Daria Werbowy... and Amber Valletta is the face of the new perfume. Here are some of the rings that I love:

Pave Champagne Citrine Ring, $5,200. 18k yellow gold with a 20mm champagne citrine stone and pave diamond bezel, from the Albion Collection.

14mm New Albion Ring, Smoky Quartz, $1,500. Sterling silver and 18k gold with 14mm smoky quartz and pave diamond bezel.

Olive Quartz Cushion Cocktail Ring, $2,100. 18k gold with 15mm olive quartz stone and diamond accents at each corner, from the Quatrefoil Collection.

Champagne Citrine Ring, $1,050.  Sterling silver and 18k gold with a square 15mm champagne citrine stone, with cable detail.

Large Noblesse Ring, Citrine, $850. Sterling silver and 14k gold with citrine stone.

As if us Upper East Siders weren't spoiled enough already, J. Crew announced that their first J. Crew Collection Store is coming soon (in October) to 79th and Madison!

J. Crew collection items are always very well made and classic in their design, although a perhaps bit pricey (I mean for J. Crew). Here are some examples:
Cashmere Audrey Dress, $248. Italian cashmere sweater dress with taffeta sash at the waist.

Large Oslo Bag, $425. Tumbled Borge Garveri Italian leather with resin horn turn lock closure and brass hardware.

I totally love this D&G Pinstripe Dress ($645), kind of a variation on their corset style dress.  It has the same lingerie style straps but is done in a more conservative fabric, a pinstripe wool flannel. This one actually has the corset built inside for a good fit.

Check out the details, the wrap style top and exposed zipper in the back.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this dress! I think it could go from day into night by pairing it with a jacket for day. It's a wool blend (54% viscose/40% wool/5% elastane/1% polyester) with stretch so I think the fit would be fabulous.  I wouldn't spend this much online though, I'd want to try it on.  But that could be dangerous because if it looked really good then one would just HAVE to buy it.

You can now book advance reservations to Chanel's Mobile Art Exhibit online. Several time slots are already sold out, so hurry!  They are complimentary too!

It's less than a month now until it opens!

So, I FINALLY found a pair of True Religion jeans that I like (on me)!  I don't know why it was so hard, I've seen plenty of people much larger than I am wearing them, out and about... but over the years I'd tried on many pairs and just always felt like they somehow made my legs look like sausages.  (yes, allbeit size 0 sausages, still not good!)

So I tried on the Becky cut, $196 and I like them!  I think they will look even better after they break in a little.  They have a lot of stretch so I'm not really sure if they will "break in" as much as many jeans do. Does anyone know about this? Leave me a comment!  Anyway, I'm so glad I finally found them.  I didn't feel like my jeans collection was complete without a pair of True Religion!

Oh, and today is the first day of Fall. Happy Fall everyone. I love it, it's the best season of the year for fashion, I think...

I also tried on some Tory Burch shoes at Bloomingdale's yesterday.  These big clunky lug sole pumps, $295.  I find the gold around the heel to be a bit garish but they looked so comfortable I tried them on anyway.  They are very comfortable, but they just didn't do it for me.

I also tried on a shoe very similar to this one below, but it had a sling back and peep toe, otherwise it was the same style. I didn't like the sling back. So this version, the "James" pump, $310 is better. I love the classic heel and round toe.  Again, I'm not crazy about the gold on the heel, but I could live with it.

There's also a new version of the Reva ballet flat, $235 that I really like.  A croco embossed leather with her signature logo medallion in leather instead of the normal gold or silver. Since it's such a large medallion I think it's a bit more tasteful not in a bright metal.

Like the LAMB shoes I saw, these were made in Brazil. I find that disappoiting. I very much prefer to wear shoes made in Italy, ONLY! I know the dollar is weak and that makes production there very expensive, but they just pass it on to us at retail anyway... I just think these are perhaps overpriced for being made in Brazil. At least with shoes made in Italy, you know you're paying a lot for the fancy brand, but you ALSO know that you are getting an incredibly well crafted shoe, nearly like art. That's why I don't mind paying so much for Gucci shoes. Even J. Crew makes many of their shoes there, so I cant' believe that Italy has become so expensive that the likes of Tory Burch and LAMB have been priced out. I think they're just pocketing the extra profit from having lower COGS. Anyway, sorry for that little rant, it's obvioulsy one of my pet peeves...

Walking through the frenzy that existed today at Bloomingdale's 2nd floor shoe salon, no one would ever guess that we'd just been through an historically bad and shocking week on Wall St. The scene was a mess: totally crowded, shoes everywhere (on the floor, mixed up, out of order), no place to sit, no mirror space to look.... annoying 15 year olds with their Moms buying them $400 shoes... etc. etc. It was really quite a debacle.

Anyway, I endured to try on some cool L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani shoes.  They were these killer super high pumps with a Vivienne Westwood kind of feel. L.A.M.B. Women's "Fen" Leather Platform Pumps, $395

I was very tempted, but I was disappointed that the line is made in Brazil. And, for the price I didn't think the leather was as fine as it should have been. I'm thinking about it. The other problem with these is that at a 5"+ heel, they will make my pants too short since all my pants are hemmed for 4" heels.

Here are couple more of the designs:

L.A.M.B. Women's "Finsbury" Leather Platform Pumps, $400

L.A.M.B. Women's "Rosebury" Leather Platform Ankle Boots, $520

Check out this beautiful bag from Prada's Fall collection... Vitello Daino Pocket Tote, $1495. It comes in "peltro" (light gold) or "antico" (copper) deer leather with a pebbled texture and silvertone hardware.

I like both colors, it would be hard to choose. I hope the prices of the European bags will be coming down again since the Dollar has been coming back against the Euro, but I'm not going to hold my breath. It does seem pretty crazy though to have to spend $1495 on a bag.

Here's a good one for the hideous or fabulous category: from Gucci's Fall Collection Shoes, the "Babouska" High Heel Open-toe Sandal/Bootie. $1195 (black leather with antique brass studs, 4.1" heel)

When I first saw these, I thought definitely hideous! But I was looking through the NY Times style section and they have some slide shows from fashion week, and one of the models is wearing these shoes. And, wow, they really look great.

It's so true, you know how your Mom would always say "you have to try it on", and it turned out sometimes she was right... Well these look SO MUCH better on than not. Clearly, you have to be a certain type with a strong fashion sense to pull these off (in good style), but they're not hideous at all! It's good to be wrong sometimes!

From Tuesday's post, in the "statement jewelry" category... here's a find.  Again, from Ross Simons (NO I don't work for them, I just love their selection and reasonable prices!) I found this 10 carat Cognac Quartz Ring in 14k gold with tiny diamond accents on the band.

It's an unusual colored stone, but I like it. I've been liking yellow and orange lately... this seems to be a brown/orange. This ring would be even more perfect if it was just a smoky quartz, that beautiful rich brown color. But this color makes it even more unique perhaps.

They're showing a lot of belted looks this Fall.  Since I'm always a sucker for horsebits (yes, preferably Gucci), this Banana Repbulic belt looks like a nice addition for the season.  And it's only $79, so if you don't end up wearing it much, it's okay.  (with a Gucci belt you might feel bad!)

Horsebit Clasp Buckle Leather Belt, $79 is great to belt long shirts and sweater dresses etc.

Uggh. Sorry about the ugly picture. I have no idea why they paired it with that horrific print shirt! That print looks like something Ugly Betty would wear. (but p.s. I love Ugly Betty despite her clothes :-)  )

Some of the lady-like profiles of Fall (like the pencil skirt) are to me, crying out to be paired with multi strand pearls.  I've written before about covet-worthy Chanel pearl necklaces but there are plenty of reasonable options out there too.

J. Crew has a nice option, this Double-Strand Jeweled-Flower Pearl Necklace for $250.  It's made with real 10 mm freshwater pearls, hand knotted on silk thread with a metal flower clasp.  It's 20" long.

Or at Ross Simons, their Double Cultured Pearl Strand with 14k Gold Clasp, $156 for 16 inch length, $180 for 18 inch length. The pearls may be anywhere from 7.5 - 9 mm in size, hopefully they do a reasonable job of matching them...

It's kind of funny how "Grandma" pearls can be. There are probably a lot of younger women that would never even consider wearing them. But I love them, I think they're Grace Kelly classic and as long as you know how to dress, they're fabulous!  Like this:

How cool does that look?!

According to the fashion people at Neiman Marcus, the top 7 important trends for Fall '08 are: berry colors, high-vamp shoes, satin, lace, sleek shapes, romantic blouses and statement jewelry.  Okay, none of this is really new, but it's all about marketing, eh?

Here are my picks from their selections in each category:

Berry Colors

Okay this is a bit over the top, but I LOVE this dress!  Donna Karan Draped Crossover Gown, $2,895 in "Winter Berry" red. 

Here's another option that is actually affordable. Tory Burch Croc-Embossed Patent Leather Reva Flats, $225.  I'm not a flat shoe person AT ALL, but sometimes you just need to be able to walk really fast, so it's good to have some cute flats around.

High Vamp Shoes

These Versace Cutout Booties, $785 are super fabulous, I'm already imaging some great outfits! (thinking pencil skirt) And they've got a 4 3/10" heel!!!

Satin

For satin, this Carmen Marc Valvo Dress, $595. An absolutely gorgeous cocktail dress in a rich "port" color in silk with black lace trim. WOW. For a dress this beautiful I think $595 is quite reasonable.

Lace

THE lace of the season is hands down, Prada's couture lace. Handmade in Switzerland and super expensive.

For us mere mortals, something like this Robert Rodriguez Lace Top, $298 will do the trick quite nicely.

Sleek Shapes

There are plenty of options in the sleek shapes category, but for me the pencil skirt is the #1 must have. Like this Milly Pinstripe Pencil Skirt, $285.

Romantic Blouses

I like this peasant style Stella McCartney Ruffled Silk Top, a bit outrageous at $1,195. But hey, it's silk and made in Italy.

Statement Jewelry

Here are some great (and fairly inexpensive) pieces.  Not "real" but not "junk" jewelry either.

Rocca Clover Ring, $510. 18k gold plated bronze with quartz stones. And Jose & Maria Barrera Quartz Earrings, $215. 14K gold plate with faux peals and quartz drops.

I'd say it's a pretty good list. Cheers to Fall, the best season of the year!

I saw this super chic dress in the Fall issue of In Style "Makeover" (special issue).  Nanette Lepore "High Ball Dress", merino wool with silk ruffles and sewn on faux pearls.  The only place I could find it for sale online was Saks.com.  The pearls give the look of the tiered pearl necklace that is very Coco Chanel.

It's a merino knit and pull on style, so it's sure to be very comfortable too. And only $230! I don't like the shoes the the Saks model is wearing, I think I'd wear 4" Louboutin black pumps.

I ran across this great looking Jimmy Choo bag at Neiman Marcus.  Jimmy Choo "Crushed Patent Roquette", $1,350.  I'm not a huge fan of patent leather, but somehow it works in this crushed texture. I like the look of the metal grommets and gold hardware. It does bug me though, that even on really expensive bags like this, they don't bother to tell you what the hardware is made of.  It should be gold plated brass so when it wears there is no silver color show through... (this is what happens with the giant snap buttons on framed Marc Jacobs bags).

I don't know if I'd really spend this much on a Jimmy Choo bag though... I love it, but Jimmy Choo (to me at least) is more shoes, for bags somewhat less compelling. But I'd certainly love to receive it as a gift. he he he.  They also make this same style in a crystal mesh for $5,295! Now that's really crazy!