This Thanksgiving: 10 Things to be thankful for...

A form-fitting Leather jacket can be your best friend for life. Just make sure you find the right one.




Cowboy boots. Can you blame me? My parents live on a ranch and I spent summers in Arizona. I'm a victim by default.




The only show that compliments my DVD collection. Best stuff on earth.




Schiller's: The one MUST destination hotspot in New York City. Forget how many celebs are spotted here, have you tried their mouth-watering menu?!




If there is anything I wait year round for, it is the Pumpkin Spice Latte by Starbucks. This is liquid gold.




MGMT has spoken. All be silent!




You are never to over or underdressed for a vintage Hermès scarf. Never.




I am growing my hair out and simply cannot live without a good shine. Thanks, Fekkai!




Man scarves. Nothing too busy, I try to stay simple.




Dior Homme Aviators. Simple and classic.

Charleston... and all that jazz!

With fashion week in the past, I couldn't help but reflect upon a few looks that really caught my eye. Among these looks is one that I have always found to be quite costume-y in nature, but provokes an inner-urge to display elegance, glamour and sophistication... all while being completely wearable. I have stressed the lack of charleston-inspired fashion in current fashion trends and feel that a change needs to be made. We have focused on the revival of many eras from disco to beatnik, yet the 1920's, a time of social uproar and menacing yougsters, brings nothing to our times. Besides a few measly cameos on the red carpet, the silver screen and broadway are our only hopes to provide inspiration to fashion followers worldwide to find an alternative to the redundancy of 1950's-1980's revival. Many might argue that fashion from other times have no relevance to our current times and that the way in which people dressed themselves in certain times simply would not be able to survive now, given the practicality of current options (T-shirts, cardigans, leggings, etc).

Be that as it may... I have made a startling discovery with Alberta Ferretti's spring collection for 2009. I couldn't help but fantasize over the possibility that model Mina Cvetkovic would break out into song and dance, just the way Catherine Zeta-Jones did in Chicago in 2002.

The dress really speaks for itself. There isn't much that we are able to deconstruct in terms of reasons why this dress is relevant today. It's sexy, fun, brings out a youthful shine and is the response to the woman looking for the ultimate party dress. No questions asked. "One of the reasons why I chose fringe (most importantly) is that when a woman puts it on, it moves according to her movements, according to the moods, according to the pose that she takes and the attitude that she has and that is what I was trying to accomplish utilizing these fabrics that move on their own", says Ferretti on her spring collection. While Ferretti admits to admiring the jazz age, her collection was inspired by the modern woman. She brings out elegance and femininity in the modern woman by channeling that opulent energy through light moveable fabrics.

Whether jazz-age fringe is making its comeback or designers opt for moveable fabric to express themselves, there is movement (albeit slow shifts) in reestablishing iconic uniforms in modern day dress. What we once saw as costume or outdated can now be look at as a serious fashion statement, from the bland to the daring.

SPRING RTW 2009- Trends

Rising temperatures, budding flowers, slinky frocks and lightweight shorts come out to celebrate the passing of winter and the arrival of new beginnings, fresh starts and a rather interesting interpretation of current times. Of course, as spring usually brings the staples which bring joy to our lives (lights, brights and minimalism), we have an interesting array of trends that set a new standard for a particularly fun season. Welcoming blacks and lengthy silhouettes is particularly uncharacteristic for warmer months however, it seems as though many fashion houses have adopted these elements into an unforgettable crossroad of unconventional and classic spring favorites.


While it is hard to ever discount black and erase this option from any season, you can't help but notice how many black options are available come the warmer months of 2009. Its surprisingly abundant presence writes a new chapter in the laws of spring dress, allowing for day and night, casual/formal occasions to be painted head to toe in black. While some could interpret this statement as the world's response to the demise of economic prosperity, others can relish the simple fact that we are breaking unwritten sartorial laws that prevent us from thinking outside the box. Whatever your interpretation, fashion allows for unique ideas that provide a public outcry to the changing climates of our lives. Whether we are mourning or embracing, black becomes a new staple for traditionally non-black wearing occasions.


With the world of fashion advancing before our very eyes, it is only natural to assume that our idealized vision of future dress becomes part of the present. What we once considered mod and space-age is created to remind ourselves, "this is what we once thought the future to be, and now we are living in these days". Now as it stands, we can create our own idealized vision of futuristic fashion in the hopes that one day soon we can say "isn't this funny? We used to think that this is how people are going to dress in the future!" With that said, designers from Philip Lim to Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Rucci to Dries Van Noten, these fashion houses did exactly that. By showcasing an eclectic collection using geometric patterns and shapes, the fusion of sleek silhouettes and structured, somewhat architectural elements helps remind us that we are living everyday as if we are in the land of tomorrow.


In recent years, the goddess dress seems to be a pretty big staple in the world of spring dress. Budding from a retro/vintage boho-chic look, many designers adopted this look that would otherwise stick to shorter, more form-fitting options. While it is hard to pinpoint the origin of the look, we can only assume that women prefer to make a much more dramatic presentation while enjoying the hottest days of the year. From cotton jersey to silk chiffon, the long draped dress with the empire waist allows for an elaborate entrance whether you are at Cipriani's or Starbucks.


Some of the most nostalgic spring/summer things are yellow: the sun, flowers, lemonade, bees... It would only seem right to create a spring line that celebrates this color. Albeit the predictable, repetitive nature that spring collections show florals, lightweight fabrics, and brighter colors, yellow has been paired with a few left-of-middle combinations that are by no mean considered warm-weathered clichés. A form-fitting yellow option is about as random as an off-the-shoulder trench, but that's what makes fashion fun! Who dares to write these rules; laws in which we must all abide by. I think the idea of options created to counteract its original purpose is a marvelous idea. To top things off, yellow seems to be crossing the bridge from cute to sexy. Does anyone else see this? Not to insult red, of course, but we have to wonder if some colors are due for a new meaning. In this case, spring has adopted the age-old option of yellow, yet again, however has brought some remarkable twists that give this hue a much more pleasant return.


An Economics professor at my school so wonderfully put that at the height of economic success, the dresses and skirts worn by women seem to hit the floor, yet at times when the economy rendered a blatant downfall, the length to which women wore their clothes began to hike up. The worse the economy, the higher the skirts. Interesting. The crash of the stock market in 1929 sent women into a frenzy of short-length dresses and skirts, the likes of which no individual has ever witnessed in the past. Could we directly link the length of women's skirts and dresses with the economy? A flurry of mini's have decorated the runway like tinsel; a nod to the hard times ahead. Either way, the presence of the mini has brought a few key elements back into the picture: less focus on bottoms and more spotlight on a specific top that craves more attention, accessories and... legs. What more could we ask for?

An eclectic compilation of choices for the spring season brings us to a complete stop as we shift our understanding of fashion into a completely different realm. How we once defined the thick black lines of fashion have been blurred-out or smudged, allowing less strict definition and more flexible meanings of current dress and style.

Structure And Tone. All in a classic box.

Devi Kroell, Stingray and Python Accordion Bag. $3,990.

Dior Samourai 1947. $3,990.

Ralph Lauren Crocodile Ricky Bag. $16,995.

Valextra. Soft leather Oversized bag. "Punch". $1,600.

Yves Saint Laurent "Muse Two" Bag. $1,895.

There is no doubt that any given bag, given a more traditional shape and slightly less visible detailing, could be considered outdated, boring or even... matronly? A new wave of handbags present themselves in a trend that can be seen as heading back to a classic form. While colors vary from wild hues to monotonous blues, the dichotomy of unshapely versus a rigid structure seems to greatly separate the two design concepts.

Most of us could say this trend has skipped a generation and landed on us to where our own parents are calling us old-fashioned. The nerve.

That 70's Look.

I spotted this girl outside 119 Bar in Union Square. As ordinary as her outfit appears, I invite you to take a closer look and celebrate her effortless style. A blue tucked top with high-waisted, wide leg jeans, weaved leather wedges and a matching leather cuff. It was done playfully and without thought.

Couture Footwear '08: Spring vs Fall Collections

Armani Privé


Chanel


Christian Dior


Christian Lacroix


Elie Saab


Givenchy


Jean Paul Gaultier


Valentino


Couture fashion. The extravagance and sophisticated nature of the runway bares all. Yet, in so much complexity, subtle differences mark the turning point in fashion history. What we can see from the pictures above, not all changes are obvious.

Catching a glimpse at the two seasons, we can spot blatant differences between spring and fall. Spring traditionally has a fun, bright and innocent flare, usually playing the part of a more simple-minded gal with a fervent love for color and creativity. For fall, the fashionista graduates to new heights, has taken on the bold complexities of adulthood by experimenting with textures, darker colors and the occasional sophisticated strap arrangement. But, whose to say one season is more playful than the other. With haute couture, do we find that there are no rules to abide by; that there is no traditional definition, just defining statements for any given season?

This is, by no means, an attempt to dissect the two seasons and analyze the thought process of each individual designer. Just another excuse to post fun footwear. That's all.

FALL IS HERE!

After a season filled with rain, blistering hot weather, and humidity that could turn New York into a tropical rain forest, we have a full season of slightly cooler temperatures, beautiful autumn foliage, a handful of holiday celebrations and layering! I often find it hard to contain myself at the end of August. This is just around the time I can get excited to pull out merino wool, cashmere, wool pants, light coats and... layering! Ha. Its hard to imagine that I stand alone on this topic. The fall is warm enough to balance and maximize silhouettes and combine lighter articles of clothing with heavier ones.

This season is bursting with options! As many falls come and go, only a few seasons stand out more than others. Record this for posterity, Ladies and Gentleman. This is the season that everyone will shine.


Florals! What an unexpected surprise! Although its seemingly random placement in the fall collection, isn't it just about right that they would introduce this concept for fall? I suppose anything to keep fall fresh and different. Floral naturally was present for spring and has continued to bloom into the late months of summer. All in all, this concept is a wonderful addition to a bright season. The presence of bright colors has also made room for a watercolor-esque motif. Most definitely a designer's response to a traditionally-monotonous fall collection, certain creative directors prefer to showcase their creative talents in frivolity. Ultimately, watercolor/floral offers one more option to consider when carefully picking your fall closet choices. Yes, we've seen rich browns and full-zip blacks with full coverage accessories. What we have now is the ability to lighten a heavier season. The contrast of tweeds and wools with florals is unexpected, yet makes for a very spectacular combination, pioneering an even greater, more urgent sense of change. Could this also be the designer's response to a very important upcoming election...?

Lace RUNS the show. Fantastic. What a glamorous change! Breathable fabric with the ability to transform a bleak staple into a romantic and completely stunning masterpiece. It's no wonder that lace came back with a bang. From blacks to grayish greens, deep violets navy blues, lace drapes handbags, shoes, dresses and coats with class. Lace is always a classic, however, its presence in this fall seems to offer fashion followers with more options than ever before. You know its extraordinary when you can witness lace in the menswear collection (See Burberry Prorsum for Bailey's talented creations). Lace that has been showcased in good taste tells women, as well as men to play around with traditional textures. Much of what stands out from other seasons is the sleekness of certain fashion designer's creations without the bulkiness of bridal or old country doily tackiness. What we want is a modified version of an old time favorite. Although sex appeal is always a good thing, designers opted for a popping out effect of their fabrics to surprise onlookers and give pizazz to a season that focuses more on drab colors and thicker fabrics. Change is good!

And what can we say about fall colors? Tradition has it that we play with deeper richer colors. The problem? Much of the focus tends to shift towards browns, oranges, drab greens and black. What a unique concept for fall (yikes!). What a relief that this season, we witness such brilliant colors in most of the collections! Dior plays with eye-popping pinks and oranges. Ralph Lauren experiments with piercing reds! Donatella fools around with yellow. The difference? Nothing is electrifying! All hues are out to stun but not shock. We witness the greatest amount of color without looking like a 1980's music video. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have beautifully-crafted dresses and coats with bold and rich colors of purples and vivid dark greens. Deep blue, as seen by Valentino and Alberta Ferretti, give a mystery to the wearer but up ante for every fashionista's credibility. Ken suggests: The deeper and richer the color, the bolder your statement. Drab hues are safe for fall, but why not see what you're capable of? Play with a color you don't usually go with!

For those of you who don't like all that much change this season and prefer to stick with the classics, the best move you can make is gray. Always a solid choice, gray speaks cool tones but a hot choice. Grays come in many forms this season. One option is tweed, always a fall and winter favorite, tweed can come in more forms than a Chanel suit. Opt for tweed accessories, a modified tweed jacket or a pencil skirt. The more variations of gray in one piece, the better. Other options include the wool suit. This goes for men and women. Dolce and Gabbana is the ultimate example for this choice. Men can play with a slim cut suit, while women can don a sleek boatneck dress. Herringbone perhaps with a skinny black patent leather waist belt? You be the judge. For those who are more casual, there's always the sweater coat. Ladies! This option is a fantastic choice for those in the mood for a cozy transition into a crisp, cold winter. Double breasted, wooden buttons or perhaps just a knit tie around will do the trick.

Dramatic Ruffles: C'est Si Bon! A French-inspired collar brings out the "tres jolie" in all women. The trick is, how do you avoid a tacky ruffle and stick to what's best for you? Remember that the ruffles can be dramatic but you don't want to look like a pooch wearing an Elizabethan collar fresh out of surgery. Also, look to craftsmanship and detailing. How is the fabric? You want it to be light, somewhat sheer and statement worthy. Best paired with form-fitting slacks. A wider leg for a slightly less dramatic approach. A slimmer leg for a tailored, couture edge. Always a classic with Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and other French designers, the ruffles should be approached with caution. Where can you wear these ruffles? An office can handle lighter frills, where as dining at Daniel (or less upscale at Delicatessen) can call for bouncier, more edgy trimmings. Remember, it's predominantly French but we're in the US. Have fun with it!

Here's something fun and interesting! Play with the idea of a colorful wardrobe this season, however, make your statement a bold necklace. Louis Vuitton, Marni and Dries Van Noten have played with outlandish forms of a statement necklace and have succeeded admirably. Hmm! By adding a big, bold necklace to your outfit, you can give a fun and playful twist to even the most down tempo ensemble. From 18 to 80, wearing a statement necklace gives you a youthful vibrance. No one wants to look old and outdated. Make your outfit pop with a neckpiece that shows your quirky side. The best part about this accessory? From H&M to Winston, we have a wide variety of necklaces to play with! Don't settle with cheap and don't always opt for expensive. Find what's right for you! Costume jewelry also counts! Have fun with this option as well. Overall, if it feels too big, you've achieved the look!


Other seasons key looks...

Satin and soft leathers still go on strong.

Metallics are a keeper!

Plaid makes a fun comeback this season. This time, opt for an edgier approach. No pleated skirts or thick ties, think modified: a halter dress in a tartan plaid. loafered heels with plaid accents.

Beautifully structured women's handbags make an even bigger comeback as kisslocks and doctor bags are back. Keep it simple.


For shoes...

Don't rid your closet of your booties! Keep your booties as they still play an integral part in fall fashion. If you feel you missed that boat, then go for the mid-calf bootie. This option refreshes the image of a fall boot! While Knee-length and ankle-length stands strong this season, go for a change with mid-calf, which hardly ever takes center stage.

Sky-High Stilettos are still going on strong this season. boost your height and your ego with 4-inchers. Ladies, make it easier with a platform, as a little front-foot boost is also in!

Engine Room/Coaler Chic: Are our prayers answered?

How odd that we sometimes find ourselves looking in the tiniest crevices for fashion ideas. One could turn an everyday household appliance and use a piece of that to accent their wardrobe. It isn't enough that some of us just simply need to stand out more than others, we must also utilize what we have so we can prove to them that we thought of it first or, perhaps just that they don't have it. Whatever the case, a fresh take on menswear is just a dire need as Trump needs a new 'do'. All our prayers are answered in this fall season's view of the runway for men. However, the approach in which numerous fashion houses tweaked their look is reminiscent of old working America. Back when your average janitor didn't have an ounce-size bottle of Purell. These duds worn by the working class meant "It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it"


Given the grim nature of menswear, we the public are forced to see men's fashion through the eyes of a very conservative society. Blazers, coats, pants, shorts, oxfords, wing tips,etc. After an ongoing list of men's fashion staples, one would compare the vivacity of women's prints and hues to the somewhat monotonous, flatline equivalent tone of menswear. I'm being dramatic, of course. But we make any scorching menswear line look like 19th Century Paris, a Bridgehamton Polo tourney or a free-flowing futuristic collage of new age fabrics and dyes. Surely, there is more to explore. And, voila! The railroad worker look is in! Levi's, Dickies, Carhartt, and everything in between. There is something to be said about all this. I think this is a testament to the creative minds behind fashion labels such as Bottega Veneta, DSquared and Ermenegildo Zegna for breaking such boundaries between the working class and elitist-stereotypes of high end fashion.

A snapshot of what we all recall fashion-forward in the working world could be quickly summed up by current fashion trends. Heavy duty fabrics constructed for functionality, flannels warmer and brighter for a slightly more chilled deer hunting season, substitute military-esque boots for a more basic leather boot (embellished with leather straps or hardware). Wool cable knits are paired with rustic denim and brown leather detailing. Beanie caps are practical not just aesthetic. suspenders still run strong for this season. This time, transform that East Village penniless writer with the Alain Mikli black-rimmed glasses with a rugged Colorado townsmen with a New York flare. Once, a seemingly formidable fashion faux pas, the long-sleeve waffle henley, suspenders, gray pants and tall laced leather boots served as a mark for all those who disassociated themselves from mainstream fashion. In this day and age, we can find this look no matter what the town, region or country. Does this mean even the most simple folk around the globe who make feeble attempts to display their sartorial abilities can be considered fashionably advanced? Maybe this is the industries way to allow each and every one of us to parlay our hopeless clash-riden closets into an affordable luxury that Lanvin can't even compare!

Thick canvas and heavy wools rock the runway. At Prince and Wooster in SOHO and the Left Bank in Paris, individuals can be seen wearing the latest trends in fashion. Their inspiration? The Industrial Revolution. Layers of thick working gear transformed into everyday garb to create the illusion of an unpolished blue-collar worker reminiscent of another time. Now, that's the dirt we've been waiting for! Makes me wonder what will they think of next.

Under Construction!

Apologies to the fans out there! My work is currently being edited and backed up, post-by-post. It's taking a bit more time than I thought. Please bare with me! See you all soon.

The Classic Never Dies: Carey Grant

Need I say more?

What about Bob?

I love getting up in the morning. Really. The smell of Coffee at the 11th Street Café is extremely invigorating on my way to work. Breakfast foods beat any other meal of the day and my rush to the internet to read the latest headlines; there's never a dull moment. So, why is it that day after day, the same thing over and over never annoys me? My strongest conviction has always been that variety is the spice of life. Change is inevitable and our taste matures over time. Yet some things will never tarnish or cloud. Is it ever possible that we must separate those things in life that have a short life span with those that continue to please? Diamonds, Pearls, a vintage car perhaps or an old trunk. It is certain that sky is the limit when trying to tally the countless things in life that makes us smile. But as fashion choices come and go, how can we properly assess what is timeless and what has an expiration date? In the world of hairstyles, fashion turns even faster. A certain style can come and go as many as 20 times in one century. The one choice that remains on the fence between tragically overdone and a timeless classic is the bob. Simple.

So what about a bob makes women smile? This classic style reintroduces itself almost every season. Some of the world's most
notable women in fashion history can be seen donning a bob so vogue, it's as if you have never seen it before!
To the left is legendary fashion house founder Coco Chanel. Ingenious in her talents as well as her willingness to jump on the bandwagon for this trend. In an ever-changing industry, we find that the elements that stand out the most usually lie in those things that change the least. Calvin Klein has built his fashion empire on structure and simplicity. Underwear and Calvin Klein are synonymous at this point. Levi's specializes in jeans. Styles of Levi's have come and gone, yet, by popular demand, we are reintroduced to 501's. The classic never dies. Such, in the same respects, do we fall back on a more traditional hair style. We've done the hipster mullet, teased our hair to look like Debbie Harry and got a blowout that brought Farah Fawcett to shame. Yet, we've come full circle to a more simple time. 1915.

In the wake of the twentieth century, women were wearing lengthier hair. It wasn't until Irene Castle, a famous ballroom dancer had cut her her for the purpose of convenience. It was layered and short. Younger generations had embraced the look and began cutting their hair to show off their new locks.The picture on the right shows an advertisement for bobbie pins, an invention only created after the bob became popular. Imagine that! Still with every great trend, there was also the skeptical crowd; those who prefer to stick to their traditional do's found the bob to be very controversial. In the early 1920's, women started wearing their hair in that very fashion that Irene Castle had introduced, years before. Still, controversy over this new style brought about a wave of problems. Concerned mothers were bothered by the similarities between men's cuts and women's cuts. A school teacher in New Jersey was even ordered by the Board of Education to grow her hair out, as the look was still not widely accepted. These times were not easy for those who aspired to present themselves in a fashion unlike anything anyone has ever seen. Beaded necklaces, short dresses, scantily-clad women with their short haircuts. The bob had set a new standard for women.

Ever since, the bob has made its way into mainstream fashion, ever present in advertisements, movies, Broadway shows, etc. To this day, we witness an alarming rate of bobbed cuts for women. It's almost as if nothing has changed. Yet, the return of the bob has been a big hit, a frenzy of celebrity women gave into the bob and it only continues to gain popularity.

So, how about you? Have you tried the bob? Ever wonder what it's like to sport a do that requires less maintenance and widens more eyes? Change is inevitable. Change is what keeps our blood pumping through our veins, what helps us wake up in the morning and keep a bright smile on our face. Yet, could you stand to make a change that speaks a classic look with a somewhat original flare?