October 2008 Archives

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.

Gucci's cruise collection for '09 has been out for a few weeks now.  In shoes they're showing a lot of faux tortoise, gold hardware, chunky wedges and platforms.

Here's a classic style that they've updated with the tortoise horsebit, the "Hollywood" 4.1 inch high heel open-toe patent leather pump. $595.

In handbags they're showing fringe, heart shaped logo crests, patent tortoise and updates of classic shapes and the hysteria style (and others) from fall and other past collections.

Here's the "Hysteria" Medium Hobo in tortoise patent leather with Gucci crest detail. $1,360.

Here's the "Irina" Evening Bag in metalic leather with the heart shaped logo crest. $695.

They're also showing a few designs with cartoon-like detailing that reminds me of Ed Hardy.

And some classic monogram totes with quirky dog embroideries.

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.

These two faux fur coats by Juicy Couture look pretty nice.  It's a difficult thing to do, nice faux fur that is.  (take a look at the ones at Express for not nice)

Dark brown faux-fur coat with tonal ruffled trim. Peter Pan collar; button front. Long sleeves with button cuffs. Length from shoulders, approximately 22".  $398.

They look so good, you'd hope to not run into anyone from PETA!

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!

Neiman Marcus' always compelling Christmas Book is online today. Good grief, Christmas already?

I guess they want to inspire people to start shopping early. It's always fun to browse through their extremely unaffordable selection in the book... one can dream, n'est pas? Like the Gucci Python Hobo ($3,295) and Marion Gladiator Boot ($995).

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.