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.

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!