Call me a Dreamer

So, this post has really no rhyme nor reason, it's just five things I really want right now, but are a little out of reach.

Acne Smith Jacket, $949 (available at Acne).

I am absolutely in love with this Acne jacket in the richest shade of green. On the topic of color, I am crazy for the combination of shades in these chunky Marnis.

Marni 2 Tone Patent Platform, approx. $565 (available at Browns).

Erickson Beamon Beyond Necklace, $805 (available at Barneys).

I'd love to pair this gunmetal and neutral toned geode necklace with this amazing slouchy Alexander Wang bag (as seen on Kate Bosworth). Yes, I know, more suede. I can't help myself.

Alexander Wang Dorothy Shopper, $795 (available at Shopbop).

Finally, how perfect is this simple one-shouldered black frock by The Row? I think I'd do sort of messy hair and a tough shoe with this. Maybe a bootie. And how great would this look with a colored tight, like a rich burgundy, in the fall?

The Row Warwick Dress, $825 (available at Bergdorf Goodman).

Am I too old to hold a bake sale to raise money? Or I guess, more importantly, do you think anyone would donate to the "I want a green suede jacket" fund? I'd like to think so.

Chic of the Week

Who: Nicky Hilton, designer?

What: A Jenni Kayne animal print silk dress, black Hermes Kelly with palladium hardware and chocolate Christian Louboutin peeptoes.

When: Wednesday, May 27, 2009.

Where: The P.S. Arts Bag Lunch in Los Angeles.

Why: Now, normally I think Nicky Hilton, though the lesser of two evils, is a bit of a trend disaster. But I love, love, love this printed Jenni Kayne - the cut, the colors. It's really perfect. If I could afford to only wear dresses by Jenni Kayne every day I would. I also think the peeptoes are a wonderful complement to the look and I can never argue with a Kelly. Well played, Nicky. Keep up the good work.









Photo courtesy of InStyle.

Get the Vote Out!

The CFDA wants you! Well they want your opinion anyway. For the first time ever the group that honors designers in menswear, womenswear, and accessories is giving a Popular Vote Award to the American designer who gets the most votes online.

So who is your favorite American designer? Is it Ralph, Oscar, Trovata, or Marchesa? Is it Marc Jacobs, Peter Som, Vena Cava, or Michael Kors? Please tell!!

There are so many to choose from that you may need to vote more than once! Which is a good thing because by the way, every time you vote you are entered to win a "Fashion Week Experience" including 2 tickets to a September 2009 show, so head over to wwd.com and vote for your favorite now!

Totally Stellar

I am currently house-sitting and without my own computer, so this will be a short post, but I wanted to give a quick thank you and great site mention -

This super chic author is a loyal reader and commenter on this site and has a wonderful blog of her own, Wrecked Stellar.

I would recommend taking a peek at it right away!

Thank you for all of your very appreciated support! xo

Short Story

I not so wisely made a little impromptu trip to Intermix today - just to "look around." Thankfully most things there are physically impossible for me to buy (I think if I were even to pick up an actual Stella McCartney piece my credit card would cut itself up into pieces), but there are a few things that actually are within the realm of reality for me. But I swear I didn't intend to bring the card out of the wallet today.

Once I walked in I figured, okay let's see if they have any bottoms that are in my price range. I wanted something louche and slouchy and silky. And I stumbled upon something wonderful: Alex Lane shorts. The first pair that caught my eye were a dead ringer for the poufy little numbers Alexander Wang sent down the runway in September in a pretty salmon pink - and under $300!

Alexander Wang S/S 09; Alex Lane Silk Puff Shorts, $215 (available at Intermix).

I tried on the fuchsia, the black and the salmon - all amazing. I was making an effort to stay under $200, so these got put on my "as soon as humanly possible I am going to run back and snatch you into my arms" list.

As I continued to browse around, I saw delicate scalloping out of the corner of my eye. "Oh the Chloes!" I thought and audibly sighed. I decided, oh why not look at the price tag, so I could scoff but secretly seethe out of jealousy on the inside. But no! They were another pair of Lanes!

Chloe S/S 09; Alex Lane Petal Scallop Shorts, $178 (available at Intermix).

I absolutely adored the taupe pair I brought into the dressing room with me, but quickly remembered I had just gotten an Erin Fetherston short in a very similar color off of eBay. So I instead opted for the black, because I new instantly that these had to come home with me. Love at first sight.

So the silk harems and Elizabeth & James parachute shorts remained in the dressing room, after I bid them a tearful farewell and a "maybe next time." Hopefully next time. And I bought my lovely little scalloped shorts. Too bad the weather got cold again. Of course perfect timing as always.

They also had in store some great little pleated and cuffed metallic brocade numbers and plain silk pairs in array of shades by Alex Lane. My new favorite. Which is a polite word for obsession.

Living around the block from Intermix is proving to be a battle of willpower and smart accounting. A battle I'm losing.

I sort of feel like a mouse being observed for a behavioral study, kept right near a big piece of cheese, but that gets electrocuted every time he makes a move for the cheese...but keeps trying none the less. Me = the mouse. Intermix = my cheese.


Runway images courtesy of Style.com.

Vivre Memorial Day Sale

Vivre, luxury retailer and purveyor of all things whimsical and fantastic, is kicking off the long weekend with a wonderful sale. Python bangles by Ted Rossi, featherweight tie-dye scarves by Michael Kors and Malandrino mosaic earrings are topping my list of the vacation-ready sale offerings.

Click here to visit the limited time only sale.

Dana Rebecca Giveaway!

Dana Rebecca Designs, favorite of Katy Perry and magazines such as O and Chicago Magazine, has just launched a wonderful promotion online now throughJune 18. In celebration of the 2 year anniversary of the label, designer Dana Levy, is giving away a pair of her popular Julianne Himiko Star Earrings in turquoise ($750 value, pictured above).

To enter, visit the website by clicking here. Simply provide your information and you will automatically be entered to win! One winner will be chosen at random on the morning of June 19.

Good luck! I know we have our fingers crossed - we sure would look nice sportin' a new pair of diamonds.

Chic of the Week

Who: Anne Hathaway, the Devil's assistant.

What: Emerald-hued Proenza Schouler with cut-out shoulders, a clutch by the designer, black tights and booties.

When: Monday, May 18, 2009.

Where: The 54th Annual Village Voice Obie Awards in Manhattan.

Why: It's refreshing seeing the actress look young and sleek and her age - recently she's been sporting what can only be described as a whooooole lotta look (see: her appearance at the Met Ball earlier this month). Her hair is perfect and shiny, but actually looks like you can touch it and not meet with a wall of aquanet, and this knee-length dress fits her fantastically. Sometimes I think black tights can just be overkill, but here I think it gives her a little edge and much needed something that says, "Hey I'm really not 45! I'm 26 and I'm hot."






Image courtesy of InStyle.

Rock 'em, Sock 'em

Ribbed Socks, each $40 (available at A.P.C.). Shoes, top to bottom: Ripple, now $69.99 (available at Nine West); Gwin, $110 (available at Aldo); Trufle, $89.95 (available at Steve Madden).

I love the look of pairing socks with heels. It reminds me of being little and wearing ruffled ankle socks with black patent buckle shoes. Done the right way, as a grownup, the look can be sweet and offbeat, not twee.

For their spring line, A.P.C. prominently featured this sock-n-shoe combo to very successful results (I think we can all admit we have a major crush on everything this French label serves to us). While the chunky sandals they pair with their ribbed socks aren't quite in my current budget, I love the socks they offer - great colors and perfect weight/thickness - and plan on snatching up a pair or two (or three or four).

Now for the shoes. I'd pair these fantastic yellow sandals by Aldo with the brown socks, to add sort of a nerd-chic touch to these tall, summery shoes. The brown Nine West wedges would look lovely with the purple pair - I love the combination of purple and brown together in any shape or form. Finally, I think these ruffle-trimmed black suede platforms, though gorgeous on their own, would benefit from a punch of color courtesy of A.P.C.'s ribbed socks in green or pale peach.

Add a pair of slouchy shorts or simple sundress and that is all you need to complete the look.

Fur, Fat and Fashion

CBS recently profiled and interviewed one of fashion's most powerful figure - if not the most - on 60 Minutes.

The Vogue editor spoke on typical topics of controversy in her world, the fashion world - weight, wearing fur, photoshop and more.

Click here for more information and clips and here for additional footage and outtakes.

This little tidbit is one of my favorites - it features Sylvana Soto-Ward, showing 60 Minutes' Morley Safer around the - be still my heart - the Vogue accessories closet.

Fetherston's film

For those of you, like yours truly, who adore designer Erin Fetherston's feminine, dreamy aesthetic, there is good news. Not only is Fetherston working on a short film, but she is also currently creating a clothing line for QVC - welcome words to those of us who don't have the most runway-ready of budgets.

From WWD:

FETHERSTON’S NEXT MOVE: Erin Fetherston will be shooting a short film over the next few days in New York’s West Village featuring Juliette Lewis — as well as elements of the designer’s fall collection. Damon Dash is producing the soundtrack. “It will be less fairy tale-y, with a more contemporary feel and aesthetics,” said Fetherston’s husband, Hedi Ferjani. He also said Fetherston is designing a clothing line for shopping channel QVC. Its launch likely will coincide with New York Fashion Week.

**update: According to The Cut, Fetherston's rep is saying there is no QVC projects in the works and that Juliette Lewis is not the star of the designer's short film. I guess we will have to wait and see what happens!

Carrrrrrrine

French Vogue editor, Carine Roitfeld, recently spoke with Acne Paper for their new issue focusing on eroticism. Madame R seems like the perfect interview subject for such a sexually charged theme, no?

Enjoy these scans from her talk with the magazine below (click on the images for a larger view).







Scans courtesy of thefashionspot.

Chic of the Week

Who: Reese Witherspoon, actress.

What: A lipstick red cap-sleeved Temperly London frock from Alice's fall line paired with Brian Atwood black peeptoes.

When: Monday, May 11, 2009.

Where: The 5th anniversary of the Avon Comprehensive Breast Care Center in San Francisco.

Why: Though I love the way this dress was styled on the runway - maybe minus the bonkers hat - I think this simplified approach suits the actress must better. Look how youthful this dress is, but how too the paneling and asymmetrical hemline make it intelligent and thoughtful. Reese has such a great eye for an interesting yet understated dress - sometimes it is the color, sometimes the cut or sometimes it's the fabric - and knows how to wear it with ease and wear it well.

The same look, worn very differently on Alice Temperley's runway.

Photos courtesy of InStyle and Style.com.

Yum

Beirn Ballet Flats, each $210 (available at Vivre).

World travelers Rita, Ali and Jenna (who also happen to be part of a mother-daughters trio) devised colorful accessories label Beirn so they could have a couple great bags to throw their necessities (and voyage finds) into and packable shoes that can be slipped on in a pinch.

I am particularly crazy about these gelato-colored ballets - how great to throw into your suitcase with basics to add a little something sumptuous to an outfit while on the road (or whilst enjoying something more akin to a staycation). I don't normally describe non-food items as delicious, but these snakeskin flats just are.

Foxy

Black Heart Slip, $77 (available at Pink Mascara).

This Wildfox tank is my new obsession - I don't know if it's the styling (I am a sucker for mussy hair and bangs...and the hat...and the rosaries...and kohl-rimmed eyes) or the cut or the big whopper of a heart right dead center (apparently I'm really into hearts right now?). Whatever it is, I'm into it.

Plus the Void

I love this editorial photographed by Nan Goldin for V. Starring Paz de la Huerta and Nathaniel Brown, who will be appearing together in the upcoming Gaspar Noe project, Enter the Void, we see the actors all skin and cuts and bruises; silks and velvet; room service and Christian Louboutin thigh-high boots.

I adore it. It's kind of dark and opulent and sexy. Click here for the full spread and to take a gander at the accompanying article.

Anna Speaks

The One. The Only.

On Tuesday night, lucky Manhattanites who were able to snag on of this month's most coveted tickets, were treated to a rare interview with Anna Wintour, Vogue incarnate. Jonathan Tisch spoke with the world's most powerful editor at the 92nd Street Y to a captivated audience (and sometimes raucus - think: PETA and a strongly worded banner). The editrix fielded questions on topics ranging from the democratization of fashion and Michelle Obama's cover to the hiring process at Vogue (a girl can dream...sigh).

For highlights from this special sit-down, go here now. And I mean, now.

Ms. Wintour's first cover with Vogue, November 1988 - the editor's favorite (Model: Michaela Bercu).

For a minute by minute recap - pretend you were there - check out The Cut's Twitter here.


Photo of Ms. Wintour courtesy of examiner.com and Vogue photo courtesy of thefashionspot.

The Brunette

Ashley Olsen looking sexy, thoughtful and...slightly French?

Thoughts on this darker, sultrier version of Miss O? Not a fan? Don't worry, it's not permanent. Ash Olsen just donned a dark, layered wig for her recent shoot with VMan to promote the addition of menswear to her insider favorite clothing line The Row.

I kind of dig it. The wig itself is a little questionable - the cut and quality seem a little rough - but I think the dark shade suits her. Especially in the bottom picture...there is something sophisticated and pensive and sort of ubercool 1960s Paris about it.

Do you prefer the brighter side or do you think this temporary look should be permanent?


Photos courtesy of The Cut.

Colors and Prints and Fur, Oh My!

These images are jaw to the floor crazy good - Vogue Russia, 2006. Thank you to Karla for posting these originally.

AnnDe-sire

Pour la Victoire Women's Camille Flat Lace-Up Sandals, each $189.95 (available at Endless).

I would be lying if I said that I have not become another victim of the spell of Ann Demeulemeester. I have been totally crazy mad for everything going on with footwear from her spring collection. And I'm clearly not the only one - Jane has them in nearly every possible incarnation.

My shoe budget currently does not hold a candle to the Texas teen's - so I have been on a hell-driven mission to find a more budget-friendly version I could call my very own. I think I have found fantastic facsimile in this Pour la Victoire style. These brilliant sandals come in the same color palette as the originals - white/cream, nutmeg and black - and have the same "this shoe is made of laces" spirit. Sort of something witchy and Roman all at once. One problem solved, but a new one arises - which to pick? I think the black are quite cool but there is something to be said for a versatile, understated brown. And the beige is totally charming.

Which color is your favorite? Or did you pinch your pennies and save up for the Annie D's?

The real deal stomping down the runway and in retail glory ($925, available at Saks).

Runway photos courtesy of Style.com.

I Heart

Quilted Chain Handle Heart Bag ($50), available in Fluro Green, Fluro Pink, Fluro Orange and Fluro Yellow.

I'm totally over the moon about these little bags that are new in at Topshop. They are like lovely little candies - colorful and shiny and sweet. Like brilliant little Skittles. Everything to me is perfect - the chain strap, the quilting, the patent, the juicy color choices and bien sur, the heart shape. Oh and the $50 price tag is more than lovable.

My heart goes pitter patter.

Pack Attack

The Original, 1984.

StyleCaster, one of my new favorite playthings, has just broken the story of the return of Prada's beloved nylon collection (via LOVE blog). In a virtual rainbow of colors, the Italian fashion house will be reissuing the beloved little backpack we all loved so very much more than a decade ago. Makeup cases and drawstring pouches will also be hitting the shelves - or should I say pristine, gallery-ready displays, as Prada doesn't really do shelves.

Available at Prada stores, you can even personalize your swell new pack - select letters to add a monogram or whatever characters are most meaningful for you, and the metal initials will be welded together right before your very eyes and added to your bag as a tag.

I for one am thinking a C and an H, for Cher Horowitz, of course, would be totally appropo.

What's old is new again, 2009.

Photos courtesy of CNNMoney and StyleCaster / LOVE blog.

A House Divided

Two bodycon offerings for summer.

H&M, in addition to their uber-popular Matthew Williamson line which debuted mere weeks ago and will unveil the latest installment later this week, will be revealing a new, decidedly darker line at the end of this month (with a fall collection debuting in August): H&M Divided Exclusive.

Ann-Sofie Johansson, head of design at the mega-chain, describes the line as possessing "exaggerated shapes and elaborate detailing" which "make the collection extra-special and contemporary." Divided Exclusive, she says with great confidence, will provide you with "the perfect party outfit."

The first wave, available for summer, features a mostly white and black palette, with a few florals sprinkled in for good measure. Think snug, body-conscious dresses, bralettes, bodysuits and cropped tops. Lots of corset and bustier detailing. The feel is very Erin Wasson meets Chloe Sevigny - which is a combination I have zero arguments against.

At the end of the summer, an even more somber, fashion-forward range will make its way to stores, replete with fur, velvet, lame, latex, metal, leather, studs and tweed. Highlights include a tough, cropped leather biker jacket, sculpted minidress, whisper-thin leggings and a puffed sleeved gray velvet dress. It's all very Balmain meets Balenciaga meets Alexander Wang meets Rodarte meets Rick Owens.

I die.

Fall 2009 Preview:






Photos courtesy of nitro:licious and Popbee.

Versace Rewind

Avedon + Christy, Nadja, Cindy, Stephanie and Claudia. From 1994. Total sexed out supers in candy colors from the Gianna era.

Kristen; Kristen and Nadja. Both Spring 1995, shot by Richard Avedon. The poses, the hair, the emotion - so amazing.

Nadja and Claudia, 1995 (photographer: Richard Avedon).

Madonna, shot by Mario Testino, 1996. So influential.

I was so obsessed with this collection - that green dress! The little black jacket (ads featuring Amber from 1996, shot by Avedon)!

Amber, 1996 (again, Avedon). The movement and facial expressions are unparalleled.

Photos courtesy of Versace.iEspana and Madonnalicious.

Going all Alloy

Clockwise from left: Drop-Waist Ruffle Dress, $42.50; Boyfriend Bermuda, now $23.60; Knit Pencil Skirt, $22.50 (all available at Alloy).

Clockwise from top left: Natural Vybe Heel, $34.50; Tola Necklace, $16.50; Mahican Heel, $39.50; Ludlow Bangles, $14.50 (all available at Alloy).

Recently, I happened to drop by the website of one of my middle school favorites - Alloy. Total early teen hotspot of the 1990s (do kids still love Alloy now???).

Though they definitely were mostly hocking dated little knit dresses and pseudo-bohemian flowy tops, I did find a handful of gems. I adore this drop-waist little navy dress and think it is so simple and feminine. How perfect would it be with a gladiator or a little bootie? I also think everyone needs a great knit pencil skirt - it's such a staple right now - and for summer these torn bermuda's are so spot on.

Accessories were particularly catching my eye. These colorful bangles are totally this season and I am beyond impressed with these moccasin-inspired heels and tribal peep-toes. Can you believe these are at Alloy? Fantastic. Finally, this delicate necklace would add a little something to an otherwise simple ensemble - just enough interest, but not overpowering.

Sometimes there is nothing better than revisiting an old favorite...

Have a great weekend!

What adventures will you go on?




Photo courtesy of Breakdown! on Flickr.

Hit the target!

On Wednesday night, we had the good fortune to attend the kickoff party for Target's pop-up store - the Bullseye Bazaar - in Chicago. This temporary Michigan Avenue location for the discount mecca was packed with well-merchandised goodies tucked in every corner and crevice,from the chain's guest designer lines and limited collections (including a sneak preview of Tracy Feith - which was a total letdown), being investigated (and subsequently hoarded) by crowds of socializers and shoppers.

While there, we too got into the shopping spirit, but opted against the Erickson Beamon and Miss Trish of Capri, instead choosing the Felix Rey's super-beachy line of summery clutches and totes. We both picked up the navy patent-trimmed canvas tote (great minds think alike) and I decided I might as well grab the straw clutch with the coral design and gold trim. Was definitely caught up in the spirit of, well, spirits.

Felix Rey for Target Canvas Tote, $39.99 and Straw Clutch, $19.99 (all available at Target).

As promised, us regular folk weren't the only revelers in attendance. Making quick appearances for some press time and faux-shopping were Private Practice's Kate Walsh and CHUCK BASS (also known as Ed Westwick, but who cares, we will always call him Chuck, and would probably do so to his face) and (who cares x 100) Jessica Szohr (maybe we're just bitter she's dating Chuck in real life?) from Gossip Girl.

The store. Chuck (questionably wearing a white henley and a chain. but we forgave him instantly). Kate W.

So first of all, we apologize for not having any personal snaps. I currently sport basically a circa 1887 cell phone. It pretty much has a rotary. And Marilla's is not much better...in fact, the screen looks sort of like it's eating itself. And also kind of like when a scene ends in Get Smart how bits of it go to black like a puzzle. Does anyone else remember what I'm talking about? Okay, anway. Back on track. So cell phone pics just weren't working and we were just a little slow on the draw anyway. But can we say that we were thisclose to Ed? Sigh. His outfit was a tad questionable and I obviously and most certainly prefer him in ascots and paisley, but we got over it quickly. And maybe followed him a little bit around the store.

Second, I thought I was pretty celeb-savvy, but apparently don't really know who Kate Walsh is. While walking towards the registers, I passed by her, thinking she was a regular party guest whose shoes (more on those later) I was about to compliment. And then realized I liked her skirt, too, and her quilted Chanel. Then I realized, oops, no wonder she has on pristine, obsession-worthy shoes, a fantastic skirt and a Chanel. She was not just a guest who brought her A-game, but a card-carrying celebrity. So...I walked on.

The story does not, however, end there. Later, post-purchases, post-Chuck frenzy, post-lots of champagne, decided I should probably talk to her. Because of course she was dying to talk to me.

K.W. wearing the shoes in question.

There she was, clicking away on her PDA a couple feet from us, and we were wondering, looking at the caged numbers she was sporting south of her ankles: Stella or Givenchy? I was pretty sure Givenchy, but figured, hey why not bother the talent? So I scooted over and asked, "Are those Stella McCartney or Givenchy?" Might have grabbed her arm - in a let's talk about your shoes way, not an assault way. And she replied, smiling, saying simply, "Givenchy." It was a short, but sweet, fashion moment.

Finally, though I don't even know if I have it in me to talk about her, but we should probably address Jessica Szohr. Oh, poor, poor thing. The outfit? No thank you. It was like watching an episode of the new 90210 - mostly uncomfortable.

No, no, no...

Wedges, a mess of pearls, a MESS of hair, a wrinkly blah skirt, a blah black shirt. Just really mussy, unkempt, kind of ill-fitting and unremarkable. Oh, Vanessa. I feel like I brought it way more than she did that night and I don't even really have an income. 'Nessa, on the other hand, is on a very, very popular TV show. But I guess in the end she was the evening's winner because she went home with Ed Westwick and I went home with McDonald's.

I am a little embarrassed to admit it, but we maybe might have possibly went to Sunda in hopes of stalking Chuck, post-party. No Chuck, but there was some pretty delicious food and more beverages and a lot of wondering if we really needed to buy canvas-patent-studded- chain-strapped totes. Or if maybe instead we should have used that money to go towards the purchase of a camera, or at the very least, cell phones that are 2009-compatible.


Photos courtesy of the Chicago Tribune and Runway to Retail. Background images courtesy of Time Out New York and Target.